Remain silent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Remain silent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to instruct someone to not speak or make noise, often in formal or legal situations. Example: "During the proceedings, the judge instructed the audience to remain silent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Remain silent.

WikiHow

"We cannot remain silent.

The New Yorker

"These cases remain silent".

The New York Times - Sports

They remain silent.

The New York Times

Or shall they remain silent?

The New Yorker

Others remain silent and expressionless.

The New York Times

It was my turn to remain silent.

The New Yorker

"I can no longer remain silent.

Independent

Why did the cardinal remain silent?

The New York Times

But she did not remain silent.

The New York Times

She chose not to remain silent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or formal contexts, use "remain silent" to emphasize the right to not incriminate oneself.

Common error

Avoid using "remain silent" in casual conversations where a simpler phrase like "be quiet" or "stay silent" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Remain silent" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to not speak. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound. Examples from Ludwig show it employed in legal contexts, instructions, and general requests for quiet.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Remain silent" is a common and grammatically correct imperative, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently used in news, legal settings, and general instructions where maintaining quiet is essential. While alternatives like "keep quiet" or "stay silent" exist, "Remain silent" carries a level of formality and is often associated with legal contexts, specifically Miranda rights. Choosing the appropriate phrase depends on the context, with "Remain silent" best suited for more formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Stay silent

Similar to "remain silent", but slightly less formal.

Keep quiet

A more general and informal way to ask someone to stop talking.

Be quiet

A common and straightforward way to ask someone to stop making noise.

Refrain from speaking

A more formal and polite way to ask someone not to talk.

Don't speak

A direct command not to say anything.

Keep mum

An idiomatic expression meaning to keep a secret or not talk about something.

Say nothing

A direct and simple instruction not to speak.

Hold your tongue

To refrain from speaking, often when tempted to say something inappropriate.

Observe silence

To maintain quiet, often as a sign of respect or mourning.

Fall silent

To become quiet, often suddenly.

FAQs

How to use "Remain silent" in a sentence?

You can use "Remain silent" as an imperative, such as: "The judge instructed the defendant to remain silent". It can also describe a state: "They chose to remain silent on the matter".

What can I say instead of "Remain silent"?

You can use alternatives like "keep quiet", "stay silent", or "hold your tongue" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "Remain silent" or "Stay silent"?

Both phrases are correct, but "Remain silent" is generally perceived as more formal, while "stay silent" is more common in everyday conversation.

Is "Remain silent" a legal term?

Yes, the phrase "Remain silent" is often used in legal contexts, particularly when informing someone of their Miranda rights. It emphasizes the right to not incriminate oneself.