I noticed that I use the phrase, "The sound of ______ filled the air" or, "The air was filled with the sound of _____" i just can't seem to think of other ways to describe this. Any ideas?
I think sound is hard to describe. I would lean more towards the message or emotion that it conveys. I can't begin to describe the sound of a screaming child. But the reader just knows.
If you're looking for a way to fill in the blank, it all depends on what is making the sound, and the effect you want it to have on the reader. Let me see if I can come up with an example or three.
Human voices:
Sorrow - wailing, sobbing
Fear, Pain or Anger - screaming, shrieking, yelling, shouting
If you're looking for an alternative to the phrase "filled the air", there are plenty of option there too.
"the X of Y shattered the silence."
"the X of Y echoed through the [things in the vicinity of the POV character; trees, streets, etc.]."
"the X of Y overwhelmed Character's senses."