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quiet voice — soft speaking

collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon

Speaking in a way that is not loud, often so only people nearby can hear you.

Say it like a native

Textbook She articulated her response in a subdued vocal tone.

Native She said it in a quiet voice.

'A subdued vocal tone' is novelistic; 'in a quiet voice' is plain.

Pattern: use with 'in a quiet voice', 'speak in a quiet voice', 'say in a quiet voice'

In use

  • She spoke in a quiet voice so she wouldn’t wake the baby.daily life
  • In my country, teachers usually speak in a quiet voice when they want students to pay close attention.IELTS speaking

Common mistake

✗ She spoke in low voice.

✓ She spoke in a low voice.

It needs 'a' — 'in a quiet/low voice'.

Common collocations

  • in a quiet voice — in a quiet voice, a soft voice, lower your voice, keep your voice down

Don't confuse it

'Loud voice' is the opposite and means speaking so everyone can hear.

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