a considerable silence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a considerable silence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or notable absence of sound or communication in a particular context. Example: "After the announcement, there was a considerable silence in the room as everyone processed the news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A considerable silence followed.

The New Yorker

There was a considerable silence, and no need to break it.

The New Yorker

Irene?" This question startled Sam, coming as it did in that tone and after a considerable silence.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

However, chromatin-bound Dot1 derepressed heterochromatin-mediated gene silencing over a considerable distance.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

The data presented here clearly demonstrate that SIP1 is downregulated and undergoes epigenetic silencing in a considerable proportion of HCCs.

BMC Cancer

Overall, no general correlation between the distance of the breakpoint from the XIST locus and the ability to silence was observed, and clearly inactivation is able to spread a considerable distance into an autosome; with silencing in GM01414 spreading over 140 Mb from the XIST locus to the farthest autosomal gene predicted to be subject to XCI.

Human Molecular Genetics

Hence, the inclusion of pre-dispersal individuals introduces a considerable amount of noise that may silence differences that are expected between males and females if sex-bias in dispersal exists [Prugnolle & de Meeus, 2002].

American Journal of Primatology

When TLR2, TLR7 and TLR8 were silenced, there was a considerable decrease in cytokine secretion in human airway epithelial cells with HRV-6 infection [ 18].

BMC Infectious Diseases

Similarly, silencing p63 RNA induced a considerable decrease in cell proliferation at both time points (p < 0.05, Figure  1B).

BMC Cancer

Allowing the silence to extend over too long a period may mean a considerable loss of fun and motivation.

BMC Medical Education

Ashley Williams proved a considerable barrier.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a considerable silence" to create dramatic effect or build tension in writing. It effectively signals a significant pause that invites reflection or anticipation from the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a considerable silence" excessively in dialogue-heavy scenes. Overusing it can disrupt the flow and make the characters seem unnaturally reticent. Opt for more varied descriptions of pauses or reactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a considerable silence" functions as a noun phrase, where "considerable" modifies the noun "silence". It describes a pause or absence of sound that is noteworthy in duration or impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a considerable silence" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a significant or notable absence of sound. While relatively rare in occurrence, as Ludwig AI states, it's found in reputable sources like The New Yorker and BMC Cancer, indicating its appropriateness for formal writing, though overuse in dialogue should be avoided. Alternative expressions include "a significant pause" or "a notable quiet". Its primary function is to emphasize the importance or impact of a pause, inviting reflection or anticipation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant pause

Replaces "silence" with "pause", emphasizing a temporary cessation of speech or activity.

an extended pause

Similar to "a significant pause" but stresses the duration even further.

a notable quiet

Substitutes "silence" with "quiet", focusing on the lack of noise.

a weighty silence

Emphasizes the emotional impact of the silence, suggesting it is laden with meaning or tension.

a marked stillness

Replaces "silence" with "stillness", highlighting the absence of movement and sound.

a pregnant silence

Suggests the silence is full of unspoken words or anticipation.

a lengthy hush

Emphasizes the duration of the silence using "lengthy" and replaces "silence" with "hush", suggesting a more intimate or expectant quiet.

a deafening silence

Creates a paradoxical effect, highlighting the overwhelming impact of the absence of sound.

a profound quietude

Replaces "silence" with "quietude" which is more formal and suggests a deeper, more contemplative silence.

a palpable absence of sound

More descriptive, emphasizing the tangible feeling of the lack of noise.

FAQs

How can I use "a considerable silence" in a sentence?

You can use "a considerable silence" to describe a significant pause or lack of sound, for example: "After the heated debate, "a considerable silence" filled the room".

What phrases are similar to "a considerable silence"?

Similar phrases include "a significant pause", "a notable quiet", or "a marked stillness", all conveying a sense of significant absence of sound.

Is it better to say "a considerable silence" or "a long silence"?

The choice depends on context. "A long silence" simply denotes duration, while "a considerable silence" implies the silence is significant or meaningful beyond its length.

Can "a considerable silence" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a considerable silence" is appropriate for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and appears in reputable sources. It can be replaced by "a profound quietude" in more formal contexts.