torn voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "torn voice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a voice that sounds strained, broken, or emotionally affected, often due to strong feelings or distress. Example: "As she recounted the tragic events, her words came out in a torn voice, revealing the pain she had endured."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Her hands are held up to her neck, and in a torn voice she exclaims, "I can't say anything, Mark, I daren't say anything".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"If I killed someone, I would remember that day for the rest of my life," Cindy Corrie, Ms. Corrie's mother, said during a break, eyes tearing, voice shaking.

The New York Times

Eyes brimming with tears, voice trembling, Mr. Bush told reporters in the Oval Office that the nation would wage a relentless campaign against terrorism.

The New York Times

Ms. Edgerly, between her throaty gin-and-tears voice and her sardonic air, comes off best as Matthew's crusty old confidante, who somehow finds time in the midst of a crisis to cook the boss a goose — no irony intended on her loyal part.

The New York Times

And tore my voice out.

The New York Times

Standing on the muddy ground as he waited for Mr. Edwards to arrive here, Mr. Trippi wiped away a tear, his voice trembling as he talked about what went wrong.

The New York Times

Eyes certainly brimmed with tears, voices grew reedy, faces soft.

The Guardian

The four year-old from Colorado, red-faced and puffy-eyed and choking back her tears, voiced the unspoken mood of the nation when she told her mother why she was crying.

BBC

IN the many months he has played the lead in "One Man, Two Guvnors," James Corden has scratched an eyeball, lost his voice, torn the cartilage in his knee and torn something else in his hip.

The New York Times

But when she found out her daughter wanted to marry her cousin, she said, "Even though I was torn, that little voice kept saying, 'O.K., Eileen, you taught her to be her own person.' " For other married cousins, though, family relations have deteriorated irrevocably.

The New York Times

Infuriated, I raised my arms, toothpaste flinging off the brush, and declared with a voice torn from my gut that I did love her and that if she couldn't believe that then it was she who had to leave.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "torn voice", ensure that the context clearly indicates the source of the emotional distress. The phrase is most effective when it enhances the reader's understanding of the character's emotional state.

Common error

Avoid using "torn voice" in overly dramatic or exaggerated situations. Overuse can diminish its impact and make the writing seem less authentic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "torn voice" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying the noun "voice". It evokes a vivid image of emotional distress affecting speech. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a usable, descriptive adjective-noun construction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "torn voice" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a voice affected by strong emotions, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's relatively rare, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts. While correct, alternatives such as "broken voice" or "shaky voice" might be more common and contextually appropriate. When using "torn voice", aim for contexts where the emotional distress and its impact on speech are clear, avoiding overuse to maintain its impact. Ludwig AI’s analysis and examples provide a solid foundation for understanding and effectively using this evocative phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broken voice

Focuses on the sound being fractured and unsteady, typically due to emotion.

shaky voice

Emphasizes the instability and trembling quality of the voice.

tremulous voice

Highlights a trembling or quivering quality, often associated with nervousness or fear.

quavering voice

Similar to tremulous, but can also imply a wavering sound due to age or weakness.

emotional voice

A more general term indicating that the voice is influenced by strong feelings.

strained voice

Suggests effort and difficulty in speaking, possibly due to illness or emotional stress.

choked voice

Indicates difficulty speaking because of constricted throat muscles, often from crying or fear.

fragile voice

Implies a delicate and easily broken vocal quality, suggesting vulnerability.

raspy voice

Describes a rough or grating vocal quality, which may be unrelated to emotion.

weak voice

Describes a voice lacking strength or volume, possibly due to illness or exhaustion.

FAQs

What does "torn voice" mean?

A "torn voice" describes a voice that sounds strained, broken, or emotionally affected, often due to strong feelings or distress.

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

You can use "torn voice" to describe someone speaking with difficulty due to strong emotion, such as "As she recounted the tragic events, her words came out in a "broken voice"".

What are some alternatives to "torn voice"?

Alternatives include "shaky voice", "tremulous voice", or "fragile voice", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "torn voice" a common expression?

While grammatically correct, "torn voice" is less common than alternatives like "cracked voice" or "shaky voice". Consider your audience and the desired tone when choosing between these options.