utter a sound

USAGE SUMMARY

"utter a sound" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to make a noise or vocalize. Example: The forest was eerily quiet, except for the occasional rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of birds. Suddenly, a loud howl echoed through the trees, causing the hiker to freeze. She strained her ears, listening for any other signs of life, but all she could hear was the sound of her own heart beating and the faint rustling of the wind. "I must be imagining things," she thought to herself. But just as she started to relax, she heard it again - a low growl, this time closer and more menacing. Without thinking, she uttered a sound of fear and ran towards the safety of her campsite.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I didn't utter a sound.

The New York Times - Magazine

They didn't utter a sound as they died.

The New York Times

He did not utter a sound as he twice plunged the scissors into Mr. Fayette's chest.

The New York Times

Here is the strangest thing: We barely utter a sound, even when the doctor on duty tells us Edwyn has taken a turn for the worse.

The Guardian - Music

In my memory, Smith didn't utter a sound for two hours but, checking the recording, that's not the case: at one juncture, he yawned and muttered something about drum machines.

The Guardian - Music

"We always hear how strong and stalwart a hero is in the face of torture, how he refused to utter a sound, but in my judgment this is utterly bogus and impossible," Gao writes of the episode.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

And also, you are not allowed to speak--not utter a sound--during these auditions, to further hide your identity.

Huffington Post

"As he burned he never moved a muscle, never uttered a sound, his outward composure in sharp contrast to the wailing people around him".

The New York Times

While Nigel Farage is busy claiming "the Ukip fox is in the Westminster hen-house", party spokesperson Suzanne Evans has uttered a sound bite Ukip would probably rather forget.

Independent

He played without uttering a sound, however — until about 15 minutes into the game, when he burst through a scrum of defenders and blasted a shot past a bewildered goalie.

The New York Times

Article tells about the eccentric hostess, the strange pets she kept in the house and about a dozen Indian visitors who trooped in, stayed for a meal & never uttered a sound.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utter a sound" when you want to emphasize the act of making a noise, often in a context where silence is expected or notable. It can also highlight the effort or difficulty in producing the sound.

Common error

Avoid using "utter a sound" when the context requires a more specific description of the sound. For example, if you mean someone screamed, use "scream" instead of the more generic "utter a sound".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter a sound" functions as a verbal phrase describing the action of producing noise, particularly a vocalization. Ludwig examples show it used to indicate the presence or absence of vocal expression in various situations. The AI confirms this is a grammatical correct expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utter a sound" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon phrase used to describe the act of making a noise, frequently vocal. As Ludwig AI explains, its usage spans across different contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles. Related alternatives include "make a noise" and "emit a sound". While seemingly straightforward, it's important to use "utter a sound" when you wish to highlight the action of sound creation, or the absence thereof, particularly in situations where silence might be expected or noteworthy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a noise

This alternative focuses on the physical act of producing noise, a broader concept than vocalization.

emit a sound

This phrase emphasizes the outward projection of a sound.

vocalize

This is a more formal and direct synonym, specifically referring to the production of sound with the voice.

produce a sound

This alternative is a general way to describe the creation of any sound, not necessarily vocal.

let out a sound

Implies a release or expression of a sound, often involuntary.

give voice

This is a more figurative way to express the idea of uttering something, often implying articulation of thoughts or feelings.

articulate a sound

This phrase is more precise, suggesting a clear and distinct vocalization.

break the silence

This implies the sound is significant because it interrupts a period of quiet.

utter a peep

Refers to a very small or quiet sound.

speak a word

This alternative focuses on verbal communication, a specific type of sound.

FAQs

What does it mean to "utter a sound"?

To "utter a sound" means to make a noise, often implying a vocalization. It can be used when any noise comes out of someone's mouth.

How can I use "utter a sound" in a sentence?

You can use "utter a sound" to describe someone making a noise, especially when they were previously silent. For example, "Despite the pain, he didn't "utter a sound"".

Which is more appropriate, "utter a sound" or "make a sound"?

"Utter a sound" is more formal and specific to vocalizations, while "make a sound" is more general and can apply to any type of noise.

What are some alternatives to saying "utter a sound"?

You could use alternatives like "make a noise", "emit a sound", or "vocalize", depending on the specific context.