What is the error in this sentence: The patients voice was a little horse and he complained of a sore throat?

The word "horse" in the sentence is phonetically similar to the correct word, "hoarse," which is used to describe a rough or raspy voice, often associated with a sore throat. When a person is experiencing a sore throat, their voice may sound different—usually lower in pitch or rougher in quality. Thus, "hoarse" accurately conveys this condition, while "horse" refers to the animal, making it an inappropriate choice in this context.

This confusion arises from homophones, where words sound alike but have different meanings and spellings. Recognizing the correct usage of "hoarse" is crucial for clear communication, especially in medical contexts where precision is important.