uncertain voice

USAGE SUMMARY

"uncertain voice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who speaks in a hesitant, unsure, or unsteady way. For example, "He spoke in an uncertain voice, filled with doubt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I hope this looks all right," Miss Nalepa said in a thin, uncertain voice.

The New Yorker

The husband glanced at his wife, and in a small, uncertain voice, said, "Two small Manhattans, please".

The New Yorker

But some Labour backbenchers are still trying to outflank the coalition to the right on crime, and the frontbench speaks with an uncertain voice.

The Guardian - Opinion

He begins to croon in a light, uncertain voice, and the guys are so stoned that they start singing backup, as if he were an MTV star leading them along.

The New Yorker

The calm sentences suggest Gabe's isolation and relative passivity; the family's interactions demonstrate how bigotry affects the most intimate relations, and Gabe's uncertain voice seems a symptom of a precarious identity.

The New York Times - Books

However, due to uncertain voice and data demand among client nodes, it may become necessary to revise the planned routing scheme once the true values of this data are realized.

European Journal of Operational Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Now the ski lodges and posh cafes are filled with sober, uncertain voices.

The Guardian - Film

Uncertain voices would call and leave messages in which they nervously recited the Web addresses of clients.

The New York Times

With the ending uncertain, voices of caution murmur, why should Mr Obama take risks?Political calculations help explain the catalogue of grand promises made and then shirked during Mr Obama's first term.

The Economist

As the Conservative Party struggled to regain its winning ways after overwhelming defeats, it was her voice that often dominated -- confident, insistent and conviction-laden, in contrast to the confused, hesitant and uncertain voices of her successors as they tried to chart new appeals to a generation of voters who had deserted the Tories for Labor.

The New York Times

An unscientific, shoe-leather sampling of the views of more than two dozen New Jersey voters -- and resigned nonvoters -- up and down the state over roughly a week found as many uncertain voices like Ms. Walker's as it did those belonging to those for whom party affiliation is paramount.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uncertain voice" to subtly convey a character's inner doubts or lack of confidence. It's more nuanced than simply stating they are unsure.

Common error

Avoid using "uncertain voice" when you mean "unclear voice". "Uncertain voice" refers to a lack of confidence, while "unclear voice" refers to a voice that is difficult to understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncertain voice" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase. It modifies a noun, typically a person, to indicate the quality of their voice. Ludwig AI confirms this is a proper expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "uncertain voice" is a descriptive term used to indicate a lack of confidence or hesitation in someone's speech. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid and usable in written English. It's categorized as an adjective phrase modifying a noun and is commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific and formal business contexts. While the phrase is not overly common, it is grammatically sound and serves to add nuance to descriptions of characters or speakers, effectively conveying their emotional state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hesitant tone

Focuses on the manner of speaking, implying a pause or reluctance.

wavering voice

Emphasizes the instability or trembling quality of the voice.

tremulous voice

Highlights the shaky or nervous aspect of the voice.

faltering voice

Suggests a voice that is losing strength or conviction.

unsure tone

Emphasizes the lack of certainty in the way something is said.

timid voice

Highlights the shyness or lack of boldness in the voice.

weak voice

Focuses on the lack of volume or power in the voice.

shaky voice

Implies a trembling or unsteady quality in the voice.

halting speech

Highlights the broken or interrupted nature of the speech.

dubious tone

Emphasizes the doubtful or questioning nature of the voice.

FAQs

How to use "uncertain voice" in a sentence?

You can use "uncertain voice" to describe someone who speaks hesitantly or without confidence. For example, "He asked in an "uncertain voice" if he had passed the test."

What can I say instead of "uncertain voice"?

You can use alternatives like "hesitant tone", "wavering voice", or "tremulous voice" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "uncertain voice" or "unsure voice"?

Both "uncertain voice" and "unsure voice" are acceptable, but "uncertain voice" is more common and often implies a slightly greater degree of hesitation or doubt.

What does it mean when someone has an "uncertain voice"?

An "uncertain voice" suggests the speaker lacks confidence, is hesitant, or is expressing doubt about what they are saying. It can indicate nervousness, insecurity, or a lack of conviction.