Stay quiet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Stay quiet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to remain silent or not make noise. Example: "During the presentation, please stay quiet so that everyone can hear the speaker."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Stay quiet and ignore it?

The Guardian - Opinion

Stay quiet.

The New Yorker

Stay quiet during the night.

WikiHow

Stay quiet and roll those eyes.

WikiHow

Stay quiet, walk quiet, and and move fast.

WikiHow

I just stay quiet.

The New York Times - Sports

So you stay quiet".

The Guardian

He cannot stay quiet.

The New York Times - Magazine

They stay quiet".

The Guardian

"It's going to stay quiet".

The New York Times

"We couldn't stay quiet," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Stay quiet" when you need someone to be silent, either to avoid disturbing others or to maintain secrecy. It's versatile and widely understood.

Common error

Avoid using "Stay quiet" in situations where active listening or participation is expected. Silence can be misconstrued as disinterest or disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Stay quiet" functions primarily as an imperative, giving a direct command or instruction. Ludwig shows various examples of its use, ranging from maintaining silence in specific locations to urging discretion in sensitive situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Stay quiet" is a grammatically correct and very common imperative phrase used to request or command silence. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples shows its versatility across various contexts, from news reports to how-to guides. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, its appropriateness depends on the situation; it's crucial to consider whether silence or active participation is expected. Common alternatives include "remain silent" and "keep silent". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage and prevalence, reinforcing its status as a standard English expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Remain silent

Implies a more formal or absolute command to not speak.

Be silent

A straightforward command to stop talking or making noise.

Keep silent

Similar to "remain silent" but can also suggest maintaining secrecy.

Don't speak

A direct and simple instruction not to utter any words.

Say nothing

A directive to not utter a word, often in response to a specific question or situation.

Hold your tongue

Suggests restraining oneself from saying something, often when tempted to speak unwisely.

Silence, please

A polite request for quiet, often used in formal settings.

Quiet down

An instruction to reduce noise levels, often implying a group is being too loud.

Hush

A gentle and often comforting way to ask someone to be quiet, especially a child.

Keep mum

Suggests maintaining secrecy or not revealing information.

FAQs

How can I use "Stay quiet" in a sentence?

You can use "Stay quiet" as a direct command, such as: "During the exam, please "stay quiet"."

What does "Stay quiet" mean?

"Stay quiet" means to refrain from speaking or making noise. It's a request or instruction to remain silent.

What are some alternatives to "Stay quiet"?

Alternatives to "Stay quiet" include "remain silent", "keep silent", or "hold your tongue", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "Stay quiet"?

It is appropriate to use "Stay quiet" when you need someone to be silent, such as in a library, during a performance, or when someone is trying to concentrate. Contexts may vary from formal to informal settings.