threatening voice

USAGE SUMMARY

"threatening voice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to describe someone's voice as sounding intimidating, aggressive, or dangerous in some way. For example: "The robber shouted at the shopkeeper in a threatening voice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

A threatening voice demanded, "Who is this woman you're sleeping with?" Mrs. Loving answered, "I'm his wife".

The New York Times

Then there's the radio interviewer in another essay, "Unquestioned Answers": "People like happy endings, he said, in the vaguely threatening voice I have come to expect from optimists".

The New York Times - Books

Cohen's threatening voice makes him sound like an old-school gangster with 50 years of practice in the lidding business, with a three-pack-a-day Marlboro habit.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mr. Stone was fired as a consultant to New York State Senate Republicans in summer 2007 after accusations surfaced that he had left a threatening voice mail message for Mr. Spitzer's father, Bernard.

The New York Times

Mr. Stone was fired as a consultant to New York State Senate Republicans last summer after allegations arose that he had left a threatening voice mail message for Mr. Spitzer's father, Bernard.

The New York Times

A man who sent a threatening voice message to senior Labour MP Ben Bradshaw the day before the killing of parliamentary colleague Jo Cox has been given a suspended sentence.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Last July, The Los Angeles Times caused a stir when it reported that Virgin had released the Canadian rock band Custom from its recording contract after members received threatening voice-mail messages from Ms. Berry.

The New York Times

Later on, Brian is back at home, recounting the experience to his brothers, and he says: "Before it happened, there was music in my head – like always – and then threatening voices started".

The Guardian - Music

Paul Greaney QC, prosecuting, said the woman had observed children crying and not being comforted, threatening voices towards the children, blinds never being open and children not playing outside.

BBC

Even in late June, many Clinton supporters still refuse to support Obama, threatening to voice their hatred of him by voting for McCain, or by not voting at all.

Huffington Post

Imagine the courage it takes to keep calling for change when all your worldly goods are buried under rubble, your life and your family explicitly threatened, your voice drowning in a world saturated with appeals for support.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "threatening voice" when you want to emphasize the audible aspect of a threat, distinguishing it from other forms of intimidation. For example, describe a "threatening voice" specifically instead of just writing about a menacing presence if the vocal delivery is crucial to the scene.

Common error

Be careful not to use "threatening voice" when you actually mean to describe a broader range of menacing actions or gestures. "Threatening voice" refers specifically to the vocal aspect of making a threat, not the overall behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "threatening voice" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a noun or action. It is most often used to describe the manner in which someone speaks, conveying intimidation or menace. Ludwig AI examples show its role in depicting scenarios of conflict, crime, or intense emotion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "threatening voice" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to depict intimidation or menace through speech. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s frequently found in news and media, as well as in wiki articles, highlighting its relevance in both factual reporting and descriptive narratives. While the phrase itself maintains a neutral register, its purpose is to evoke feelings of danger or fear. When employing "threatening voice", ensure it accurately reflects the vocal aspect of a threat, distinguishing it from general menacing behaviour. Alternatives such as "menacing tone" or "intimidating voice" can be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

menacing tone

Focuses on the auditory quality of menace rather than the explicit threat.

intimidating voice

Emphasizes the effect the voice has on others, causing fear or apprehension.

aggressive tone of voice

Highlights the assertive and potentially hostile nature of the voice.

hostile voice

Directly describes the voice as unfriendly and antagonistic.

gruff voice

Suggests a rough and intimidating quality, often implying impatience or anger.

bullying tone

Implicates an element of deliberate intimidation, characteristic of bullying behaviour.

coercive voice

Focuses on the aspect of forcing or pressuring someone through vocal delivery.

sinister voice

Indicates an implication of evil or malicious intent conveyed by the voice.

ominous tone

Suggests that the voice hints at future misfortune or danger.

deep and menacing voice

Specifies the vocal characteristics contributing to the menacing quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "threatening voice" to describe the tone someone uses when making a threat. For example, "The villain spoke in a "threatening voice", promising dire consequences if his demands weren't met."

What are some alternatives to "threatening voice"?

Alternatives include "menacing tone", "intimidating voice", or "aggressive tone of voice" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "spoke in a threatening voice"?

While 'voice' inherently implies speaking, specifying "spoke in a threatening voice" emphasizes the manner of speaking. It's not strictly redundant and can add clarity or emphasis to the description.

What distinguishes a "threatening voice" from a "firm voice"?

A "firm voice" conveys authority or resolve without necessarily implying harm or intimidation. A "threatening voice", on the other hand, is intended to instill fear or compliance through the explicit or implicit promise of negative consequences.