talk quietly

USAGE SUMMARY

"talk quietly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to speak at a lower volume. For example, "Could you please talk quietly so we don't wake the baby?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They've got to talk quietly, privately.

The New York Times

We continued to talk quietly among ourselves about the protest.

The New Yorker

Their rule of thumb: talk quietly and de-escalate.

The New York Times

They dress down, talk quietly, are dowdy, studious.

The Guardian

No one will come to talk quietly of friendship or grandchildren, finance or literature.

The New York Times - Food

In moments like this, we set aside the tools, and we would sit and talk quietly.

The New York Times

"Then we would turn and talk quietly to each other for long enough that Oliver would say: 'What just happened?

The New York Times

They gather around a table listening to a man talk quietly.

The Guardian

Catholic priests may talk quietly with an old colleague or mentor, or rabbis will compare notes.

The New York Times

"I talk quietly and I keep it to a bare minimum".

The New York Times

You could talk quietly and the dog would follow your commands.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When in a quiet environment like a library or a hospital, "talk quietly" to avoid disturbing others.

Common error

Avoid using "talk quietly" when the situation calls for complete silence; instead, opt for non-verbal communication or written notes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "talk quietly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify the manner in which the action is performed. It indicates the way someone speaks, focusing on the low volume of the speech. As per Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "talk quietly" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe speaking at a low volume. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's frequently used in news media, wiki articles, and scientific publications, with a neutral to informal register. Alternative phrases like "speak softly" or "lower your voice" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use it appropriately in quiet environments to avoid disturbing others, but avoid it in situations that demand silence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

speak softly

Focuses more on the softness of the voice, rather than the act of reducing noise.

lower your voice

Directs someone to reduce the volume of their speech.

whisper

Implies an even lower volume than "talk quietly", often used for secrecy.

keep your voice down

Similar to "lower your voice", but emphasizes maintaining a low volume.

speak in hushed tones

Suggests a sense of secrecy or reverence in the manner of speaking.

converse softly

A more formal way of saying "talk quietly", emphasizing the conversation aspect.

mute your voice

Emphasizes the reduction of your voice sound.

have a low voice

Describes a characteristic of the speaker, rather than a conscious effort to reduce volume.

talk in private

Indicates a desire for discretion and confidentiality in conversation.

speak confidentially

Emphasizes the confidential nature of the conversation.

FAQs

How can I use "talk quietly" in a sentence?

You can use "talk quietly" to describe speaking at a low volume. For example, "Please "talk quietly" so you don't wake the baby."

What's a more formal way to say "talk quietly"?

A more formal alternative to "talk quietly" is to "converse softly", which emphasizes the conversational aspect while maintaining a low volume.

Is it better to whisper or "talk quietly"?

While both reduce volume, whispering can strain your vocal cords. If possible, it's better to "talk quietly" without whispering, as it's less taxing on your voice.

What can I say instead of "talk quietly" when asking someone to lower their voice?

Instead of "talk quietly", you could say "lower your voice" or "keep your voice down" for a more direct request.