strong whisper

USAGE SUMMARY

"strong whisper" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the volume of a person's whisper. For example: "She leaned in and said it with a strong whisper: 'I love you.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Microsoft was strong yesterday.

The New York Times

"I was strong this week.

The New York Times - Sports

Foreign direct investment was strong last year.

The New York Times

"He was really strong today," Berdych said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He hit that very strong today.

The New York Times

Remarkably, it's still going strong today.

Independent

Israel is strong today for many reasons.

The New York Times

He pledged to run a strong second half.

The New York Times

"The president is strong today.

The Guardian

Richie was very strong today.

The Guardian - Sport

"I was strong today, very strong".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "strong whisper", ensure the context clarifies what makes the whisper 'strong' – is it the intensity of emotion, the clarity of the message, or the forcefulness of delivery?

Common error

Avoid using "strong whisper" excessively in creative writing. Overusing it can diminish its impact. Consider more nuanced ways to describe quiet but impactful communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong whisper" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It describes a particular type of whisper, emphasizing its intensity or impact rather than its volume. Ludwig indicates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strong whisper" describes a whisper characterized by its intensity or impact, rather than volume. Though grammatically correct according to Ludwig, it's a rarely used expression. Its usage implies urgency or secrecy. Alternative phrases, like "forceful murmur" or "intense undertone", may offer more common ways to express a similar meaning. While Ludwig suggests the phrase is grammatically sound, mindful use will prevent diminishing its descriptive impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forceful murmur

This alternative replaces "whisper" with "murmur", suggesting a low, indistinct sound, while "forceful" emphasizes the intensity.

intense undertone

This phrase shifts from the act of whispering to the underlying tone, highlighting the emotional or informational intensity.

vehement undertone

Replaces "intense" with "vehement", which implies even more intense emotion, emphasizing the passion behind the quiet voice.

emphatic hush

Emphasizes the contrast between emphasis and silence, suggesting the importance of the message conveyed quietly.

powerful susurrus

Using "susurrus" adds a poetic touch, describing a soft, whispering sound, while "powerful" suggests its impact.

controlled sotto voce

"Sotto voce" is an Italian term meaning "under voice", which is a more technical way to indicate a deliberate lowering of the speaking volume.

penetrating whisper

This alternative indicates the whisper is sharp and attention-grabbing, cutting through the noise.

audible breath

Indicates a breath so loud or heavy that it can be heard, which suggests strong emotion and intent.

resonant silence

This phrase focuses on the impact of silence, describing a silence filled with meaning.

telling silence

This shifts the focus to the silence being communicative, hinting at unspoken messages.

FAQs

How can I describe a whisper that is forceful?

You could use "forceful murmur" or "penetrating whisper" to indicate a whisper delivered with intensity or clarity.

What does it mean when someone uses a "strong whisper"?

It usually implies that while the person is speaking quietly, they are doing so with noticeable emphasis or emotion. The 'strength' refers to the intent and impact, not necessarily the volume.

Is "strong whisper" an oxymoron?

Not necessarily. While whispers are generally soft, "strong whisper" suggests intensity or clarity despite the low volume. It's a way to convey that the message, though quiet, is delivered with conviction.

Are there alternatives to "strong whisper" that focus on the tone?

Yes, phrases like "intense undertone" or "vehement undertone" shift the focus to the emotional quality behind the quiet delivery, emphasizing feelings of passion or urgency.