wavering voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wavering voice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a voice that is unsteady or shaky, often due to emotion or uncertainty. Example: "As she spoke about her experiences, her wavering voice revealed the depth of her feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

No wavering voice, no rheumy eyes.

The Guardian

Yet his wavering voice told only a partial lie.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Grand Admiral of the Navy, Doenitz, speaks up, in a wavering voice.

The New Yorker

His songs, delivered in a quiet, wavering voice, mince no words as he speculates about love, desire and death.

The New York Times - Arts

He counts Tom Waits among his favorite musicians, and he delivers his eclectic and homespun music with a wavering voice.

The New Yorker

Instead of the usual monotone recital of holidays and lunch menus, the school official spoke with a wavering voice.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Blessed with several tuneful songs by Matt Schatz, this meet-cute musical stars performers whose delicate, wavering voices nicely complement their characters' nervous states of mind.

The New York Times

In a group singalong in the recreation room, wavering voices joined together in songs about war and lost love: "Over hill, over dale/ As we hit the dusty trail/ And those caissons go rolling along".

The New York Times

"So they'll be watching," he continued, his voice wavering.

The New York Times - Sports

The pairing is vaguely laughable, with Young's scarecrow voice wavering over familiar bass lines.

The New Yorker

"I've been to a lot of funerals," Steinbrenner said, his voice wavering.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wavering voice" to subtly convey a character's emotional state, such as fear, sadness, or uncertainty, without explicitly stating their feelings. This technique enhances narrative depth and reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "wavering voice" to depict emotion. Supplement it with body language, internal thoughts, and contextual details to create a more nuanced and compelling portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wavering voice" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying the noun "voice" to indicate its unsteady or trembling quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wavering voice" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to depict an unsteady vocal quality, often indicative of underlying emotions such as nervousness, fear, or sadness. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English. As showcased by Ludwig's examples, it's frequently employed in News & Media to add depth and subtext to narratives. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid over-reliance on this phrase and instead supplement it with other descriptive elements for a more nuanced portrayal. Alternatives like "tremulous voice" or "shaky voice" can offer similar, yet subtly different, connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tremulous voice

Focuses more on the trembling quality of the voice, often due to nervousness or fear.

shaky voice

Implies a lack of steadiness, suggesting the voice is unsteady and may break.

unsteady voice

A general term indicating a lack of stability in the voice, applicable to various causes.

trembling voice

Highlights the physical shaking or trembling affecting the voice.

faltering voice

Suggests the voice is losing strength or conviction, possibly due to emotion or doubt.

hesitant voice

Emphasizes the uncertainty or reluctance in the speaker's voice.

quivering voice

Describes a voice that vibrates slightly, often associated with strong emotion.

weak voice

Indicates a lack of vocal power or projection, suggesting fragility.

soft voice

Focuses on the low volume and gentleness of the voice, rather than its instability.

breaking voice

Suggests the voice is on the verge of cracking or failing, often due to emotional distress.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "wavering voice" in a sentence?

Use "wavering voice" to describe a character's emotional state, such as fear or uncertainty. For instance, "Her "wavering voice" betrayed her nervousness as she addressed the crowd."

What are some alternatives to "wavering voice"?

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

Is it grammatically correct to say "wavering voice"?

Yes, the phrase ""wavering voice"" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe an unsteady or shaky vocal quality.

What does a "wavering voice" typically indicate?

A ""wavering voice"" often indicates emotional distress, nervousness, or uncertainty. It suggests the speaker is experiencing some internal conflict or vulnerability.