thin voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thin voice" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe someone's speaking voice, for example: "He spoke in a thin voice, barely above a whisper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

He blushes easily, and speaks in a thin voice.

The New York Times - Magazine

At one time in Follies, but had thin voice.

The New Yorker

Cory Monteith, who plays the quarterback and drummer Finn, has an eager but thin voice.

The New York Times - Arts

Those are also among Mr. Bieber's slower songs, which leave his sometimes thin voice unprotected.

The New York Times - Arts

She harked back to 1980's Madonna, singing in a thin voice over percolating electronics.

The New York Times - Arts

Anna began in a high, thin voice, gathering strength as she went.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

The dancers, with thin voices and self-conscious delivery, taunt one another with sarcasm, all the while pulling, poking and prodding one another's bodies.

The New York Times - Arts

"Sometimes you just gotta know how to feel," advises Ms. Avi, equipped with her ukulele, her blithesome spirit and her pretty, wafer-thin voice.

The New York Times - Arts

As the king and the steward parlayed with Los Compasivos, the boy heard the whisper-thin voice of the dancing bear speaking only to him.

The New Yorker

On vinyl, I Come and Stand at Every Door is placed at the end of the first side of the Byrds' third album, Fifth Dimension: following three fast, super intense, proto-psychedelic tunes (Mr Spaceman, I See You, What's Happening?!?!), it could almost be a drag – and then Roger McGuinn's patient, paper-thin voice sucks you right in.

The Guardian - Music

Mr. Love was the lead singer for most songs, and memory filled out his thinning voice.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thin voice" to subtly convey a character's physical weakness, emotional state, or social standing in your writing.

Common error

Avoid consistently using "thin voice" to describe a character, as it can become repetitive. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "feeble voice" or "reedy voice" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thin voice" primarily functions as a descriptive element, modifying a noun to provide information about its auditory characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. It is generally used to depict a voice lacking depth, resonance, or strength.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Arts

25%

Literature

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thin voice" is a common and grammatically correct descriptor, typically used to depict a voice lacking depth, resonance, or strength. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news and media, as well as in artistic and literary contexts, serving to convey vulnerability, weakness, or a simple lack of vocal power. While "thin voice" is generally neutral, synonyms like "feeble voice" or "reedy voice" can add further nuance. When writing, be mindful of overusing the phrase and consider alternatives to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak voice

Describes a voice lacking strength or volume.

feeble voice

Emphasizes the frailty and lack of power in the voice.

reedy voice

Implies a high-pitched and somewhat nasal quality.

shrill voice

Highlights the high-pitched and piercing nature of the voice.

slight voice

Indicates a voice that is barely audible or noticeable.

faint voice

Similar to slight, but suggests a voice that is fading or distant.

soft voice

Focuses on the gentle and subdued quality of the voice.

whispery voice

Describes a voice that is breathy and almost inaudible.

high-pitched voice

Highlights the high frequency of the voice.

small voice

Indicates a voice that lacks resonance and depth.

FAQs

How can I use "thin voice" in a sentence?

You can use "thin voice" to describe someone's vocal quality, for example: "He spoke in a "thin voice", barely audible above the noise".

What's the difference between "thin voice" and "weak voice"?

"Thin voice" suggests a lack of fullness or resonance, while "weak voice" implies a lack of strength or volume. While similar, "weak voice" might be used when someone is ill or tired.

What can I say instead of "thin voice"?

You can use alternatives like "reedy voice", "faint voice", or "shrill voice" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "thin voice" a negative description?

Not necessarily. While it can imply weakness or frailty, it can also be used neutrally to simply describe a particular vocal quality. The context determines whether it's perceived as positive or negative.