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vocal cords

B2
UK/ˈvəʊkl̩ kɔːdz/US/ˈvoʊkl̩ kɔːrdz/

Neutral to technical/medical; common in everyday speech in health/voice contexts.

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Definition

Meaning

The two bands of smooth muscle tissue in the larynx that vibrate to produce the voice.

By extension, can refer metaphorically to one's voice, vocal capacity, or ability to speak.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Strictly plural; the singular 'vocal cord' is rare. Often hyphenated ('vocal-cords') when used attributively before a noun. The primary semantic field is anatomy and physiology of speech.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Spelling: 'cords' is universal. BrE may occasionally use 'folds' (vocal folds) more interchangeably in technical contexts, but 'cords' remains standard in general use. AmE strongly prefers 'cords' in non-technical registers.

Connotations

Identical. Both denote the physical anatomy. No significant cultural connotative difference.

Frequency

Slightly more frequent in AmE due to higher prevalence of vocal coaching/theatre terminology in general media. In BrE, 'voice box' (larynx) is a more common everyday metonym.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
strain your vocal cordsdamage your vocal cordsvocal cords vibrate
medium
swollen vocal cordsparalyzed vocal cordssurgery on the vocal cords
weak
healthy vocal cordspowerful vocal cordsfamous vocal cords

Grammar

Valency Patterns

to strain (one's) vocal cordsto have something wrong with (one's) vocal cordsfor the vocal cords to vibrate/produce sound

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

vocal folds (anatomical synonym)

Neutral

voice box (as a broader term for larynx)vocal folds (technical)

Weak

voice (metonymic)vocal apparatus (broader term)

Vocabulary

Antonyms

(conceptually) mutenesssilencevocal cord paralysis (as a state)

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “To have a frog in one's throat (related to hoarseness)”
  • “To strain one's vocal cords”
  • “To lose one's voice”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Rare, except in industries like voice-overs, telephony training, or public speaking coaching.

Academic

Common in medical, linguistic, and musicology texts.

Everyday

Used when discussing health (laryngitis), singing, shouting, or voice problems.

Technical

Precise anatomical term; in phonetics and medicine, 'vocal folds' is often more precise.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

  • She has been advised not to overstrain her vocal cords.
  • The singer's vocal cords were damaged from the rigorous tour.

American English

  • He strained his vocal cords cheering at the game.
  • The procedure is designed to repair damaged vocal cords.

adverb

British English

  • (N/A – 'vocal cords' does not have an adverbial form. Sentence example using related adverb): She sang vocally, putting great strain on her cords.

American English

  • (N/A – 'vocal cords' does not have an adverbial form. Sentence example using related adverb): He performed vocally, relying on his strong cords.

adjective

British English

  • She underwent vocal-cord surgery last year.
  • He has a vocal-cord dysfunction.

American English

  • She is seeing a vocal-cord specialist.
  • It was a serious vocal-cord injury.

Examples

By CEFR Level

A2
  • I have a sore throat and my vocal cords hurt.
  • Singers use their vocal cords a lot.
B1
  • If you shout too much, you can damage your vocal cords.
  • The doctor said my vocal cords are swollen.
B2
  • The opera singer's powerful voice is a testament to her exceptionally strong vocal cords.
  • Vocal cord nodules are a common problem for teachers and call centre workers.
C1
  • Phonation occurs when expelled air causes the vocal cords to adduct and vibrate.
  • The subtle paralysis of his left vocal cord resulted in a characteristically breathy vocal timbre.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a singer holding a musical NOTE with CORDS/strings in their throat. The CORDS in your throat produce VOCAL sounds.

Conceptual Metaphor

THE VOICE IS A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT (strings/cords that vibrate).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

  • Avoid literal translation that results in 'voice ropes' or 'voice strings'. The standard Russian equivalent is 'голосовые связки' (golosovyye svyazki).
  • Do not confuse with 'vocal chords' – a common spelling mistake influenced by 'musical chord'. The correct term is 'cords', like cords/strings.

Common Mistakes

  • Misspelling as 'vocal chords' (incorrect, though common).
  • Using singular 'vocal cord'.
  • Confusing with 'larynx' (the organ housing the cords).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
After the concert, the lead singer completely lost her voice because she had severely strained her during the performance.
Multiple Choice

What is the most common error associated with the term 'vocal cords'?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The correct anatomical term is 'vocal cords'. 'Vocal chords' is a common misspelling, likely due to the influence of the musical term 'chord'.

They refer to the same anatomical structure. 'Vocal folds' is the more precise term preferred in medical and scientific contexts, while 'vocal cords' is the standard term in general use.

Yes, conditions like paralysis or a polyp can affect just one vocal cord, leading to hoarseness, breathiness, or voice fatigue.

Many mammals have larynxes with vocal folds, allowing them to produce sounds. However, the structure and complexity vary greatly across species.