Pronunciation: /vɔɪs/ (BrE), /vɔɪs/ (AmE)
Part of speech: noun
Frequency Level: A2
Register: neutral
Definition
The sound produced by a person’s vocal cords when speaking, singing, or expressing emotion.
Extended Meaning
“Voice” refers not only to physical sound but also to a person’s style of expression, opinion, identity, and presence in communication.
It can describe:
– the physical ability to speak
– the distinctive sound of someone
– written or artistic style (“author’s voice”)
– opinion or right to express oneself (“a voice in the discussion”)
– grammatical category (“active voice,” “passive voice”)
Detailed Explanation
“Voice” is essential to human communication. It carries tone, emotion, rhythm, and intention. The voice reflects personality, health, confidence, and emotional state.
In literature, “voice” refers to the unique style of a writer.
In society, having a “voice” means participating, expressing opinions, influencing decisions.
The term is also used linguistically: the active and passive voice express who performs an action.
Because of its many meanings, “voice” appears in everyday conversations, speeches, arts, psychology, linguistics, and social movements.
Semantic Field
voice vs. sound — voice is produced by humans; sound is general.
voice vs. speech — speech refers to words; voice refers to the sound.
voice vs. tone — tone is the emotional quality of voice.
voice vs. opinion — opinion is thought; voice is expression of it.
voice vs. accent — accent relates to pronunciation patterns.
Example Sentences
- Her voice is very calm and soft.
- He lost his voice after shouting.
- I recognized his voice instantly.
- She has a beautiful singing voice.
- Everyone has a right to have a voice in decisions.
- The author’s voice is unique.
- His voice trembled with emotion.
- The teacher raised her voice.
- This sentence is written in the passive voice.
- Children developed confidence by using their voices.
Dialogues
- — Whose voice is that?
— It sounds like Anna. - — Why is your voice so quiet?
— I’m tired. - — Did you lose your voice?
— A little. - — Do you like her singing voice?
— Yes, very much. - — Should we raise our voices?
— No, let’s stay calm. - — Can everyone have a voice in this meeting?
— Of course. - — What is “active voice”?
— The subject performs the action. - — Why is his voice shaking?
— He’s nervous. - — Did the baby make that voice?
— Yes, that was him. - — How can I improve my voice?
— Practice breathing and speaking clearly.
Stories
Story 1: The Presentation Day
Nora prepared for a presentation at work. She practiced her speech many times, but on the morning of the event, she felt nervous. When she began, her voice trembled slightly. As she continued, her voice grew stronger and clearer. By the end, she spoke with confidence. Her colleagues admired how her voice carried her message.
Story 2: Lost Voice
After attending a loud concert, Leo woke up unable to speak properly. His voice was almost gone. He tried to answer a phone call but produced only a whisper. It took two days of rest and warm tea for his voice to return. The experience reminded him how important and delicate the voice can be.
Story 3: The Writer’s Style
Emma enjoyed writing short stories. Her teacher once told her, “Your voice is warm and honest.” Emma realized that “voice” meant her unique way of expressing ideas. From then on, she wrote more confidently, focusing on her personal voice rather than copying others.
Story 4: Speaking Up
During a school meeting, the students discussed new rules. Most stayed quiet, but Daniel raised his hand. He used his voice to express a fair point about break times. His classmates appreciated his courage. His small act showed how one voice can influence many.
Story 5: The Choir
In a community choir, many people gathered every week to sing. Each voice was different—high, low, soft, strong. When they sang together, the voices blended into one harmonious sound. Singing with others made everyone feel part of something beautiful.
Common Collocations
soft voice — gentle voice.
Example: She spoke in a soft voice.
loud voice — strong volume.
Example: He called in a loud voice.
singing voice — voice used for singing.
Example: Her singing voice is powerful.
voice message — audio message.
Example: He sent a voice message.
voice recognition — technology that understands voice.
Example: The phone uses voice recognition.
voice your opinion — express your opinion.
Example: Everyone can voice their opinion.
lose your voice — become unable to speak.
Example: He lost his voice yesterday.
raise your voice — speak louder.
Example: She raised her voice to be heard.
deep voice — low-pitched voice.
Example: He has a deep voice.
voice control — using voice to operate devices.
Example: The app supports voice control.
Syntactic Patterns
voice + verb (voice trembles, voice rises)
have a voice in + noun (decision, meeting)
voice + opinion / concern
in a low/high voice
raise/lower your voice
Colligation
prepositions:
in a voice (in a soft voice)
with a voice (with a shaking voice)
voice of — identity or representation
voice for — advocate for
voice in — participation in decisions
verbs commonly paired:
lose, use, raise, lower, recognize, hear, soften, strengthen, project
Usage Notes
Voice reflects emotional and physical state.
Losing one’s voice usually refers to temporary hoarseness.
In writing, “voice” refers to style, not volume.
In grammar, voice refers to the relationship between the subject and the verb.
Cultural and Historical Notes
Voice has been a symbol of identity, freedom, and expression throughout history.
Public speakers, singers, leaders, and activists rely on the power of voice.
Many cultures value storytelling, chanting, and singing as forms of shared voice.
Voice technology (assistants, translation tools) plays an increasing role in modern life.
Idioms and Fixed Expressions
“find your voice” — develop confidence in expressing yourself
“give voice to” — express or communicate
“voice of reason” — someone who expresses calm wisdom
“voice your concerns” — express worries
“at the top of your voice” — very loudly
“a voice in the wilderness” — someone ignored or unheard
Pronunciation Notes
The diphthong /ɔɪ/ must be clear.
Final /s/ is voiceless, not /z/.
Learners often confuse “voice” with “vice.”
Typical Errors
Incorrect: He has a voice deep.
Correct: He has a deep voice.
Incorrect: Her voice is very loudly.
Correct: Her voice is very loud.
Incorrect: She voiced her to opinion.
Correct: She voiced her opinion.
Incorrect: I hear his voice hardly.
Correct: I can hardly hear his voice.
Incorrect: This sentence is active voice written.
Correct: This sentence is written in the active voice.
Learner’s Checklist
– difference between tone, voice, and speech
– collocations (soft voice, raise your voice)
– idioms (find your voice)
– grammar voice (active/passive)
– correct pronunciation: /vɔɪs/
Word Family
voice (noun)
voiceless (adjective)
voiced (adjective)
vocal (adjective)
vocalize (verb)
Morphological Notes
Forms adjectives (voiceless, voiced) and nouns (vocal, vocalist).
Used widely in music, literature, and linguistics.
Mini Test
- Correct: “She has a beautiful ___.” (voice)
- True or false: “Voice” can describe writing style. (True)
- Correct the error: “He spoke voice loud.” → He spoke in a loud voice.
- Which idiom means “develop confidence in speaking”? (find your voice)
- Fill in: “This is written in the ___ voice.” (passive)
Usage Scenarios
- Describing speaking or singing.
- Talking about confidence or expression.
- Referring to writing style.
- Participating in decisions or discussions.
- Using grammatical voice (active/passive).