a deep silence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a deep silence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a profound or significant absence of sound, often conveying a sense of stillness or contemplation. Example: "As the sun set over the horizon, a deep silence enveloped the forest, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

A deep silence prevailed.

The New Yorker

There was a deep silence.

The Guardian - Music

There was a deep silence following the call.

The New Yorker

A deep silence presses in on the music like thick clouds.

The New York Times

The cruiser steamed into the harbor at night & a deep silence brooded over Fort Moultrie.

The New Yorker

There was a deep silence, though some officials began to cry, in a choking, confusing way; it was the first time some of them had cried.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Another week, a deeper silence.

Huffington Post

Most of all, the hush that occasionally falls over an auditorium, described by Shelley Winters as "the sound of a wonderful, deep silence that means you've hit them where they live".

The Guardian - Opinion

Maza reports a "big deep silence" settled over the audience when the performance began.

The Guardian

Butch was usually quiet even when we were boys and whenever he smoked the weed he carried in his backpack he took on a kind of deep silence that was private and made me worry and was a part of why I asked him to join me on this trip.

Huffington Post

"During my meditation training, I came to a place of deep silence.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a deep silence" to effectively create a moment of dramatic tension or reflection in your writing. It's particularly impactful when contrasting with prior noise or activity.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly describing scenes as falling into "a deep silence" when depicting conversations. Vary your descriptions with other sensory details to keep the narrative engaging and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a deep silence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig indicates this phrase is correct and usable, adding to its descriptive power.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a deep silence" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that describes a significant absence of sound. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its effectiveness in creating dramatic tension or moments of reflection. It frequently appears in news and media, as well as academic writing. When using the phrase, consider varying your descriptions to avoid repetition, and use it strategically to maximize its impact. Alternatives like "a profound quiet" or "a palpable hush" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis while maintaining a similar core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a profound quiet

Emphasizes the intensity and significance of the silence, similar to "a deep silence".

a heavy stillness

Highlights the lack of movement and activity, adding a sense of weightiness to the silence.

a palpable hush

Implies the silence is so intense it can almost be physically felt.

an intense quietude

Focuses on the peaceful and tranquil nature of the silence, suggesting a serene atmosphere.

a thick silence

Conveys a sense of density and impenetrability, as if the silence is a tangible barrier.

a pregnant pause

Suggests the silence is filled with unspoken meaning or anticipation.

a vast quiet

Emphasizes the extensive and all-encompassing nature of the silence.

an absolute hush

Highlights the complete and utter absence of sound.

a deathly silence

Adds a somber and foreboding tone to the silence, suggesting a sense of dread or finality.

a breathless hush

Implies the silence is so intense it causes one to hold their breath.

FAQs

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

You can use "a deep silence" to describe a moment of profound stillness or quiet, such as "A deep silence fell over the crowd as the speaker concluded."

What phrases are similar to "a deep silence"?

Alternatives include "a profound quiet", "a heavy stillness", or "a palpable hush", each conveying a slightly different nuance of quietude.

Is it correct to say "a deep silent" instead of "a deep silence"?

While both use "deep", "silence" is a noun referring to the absence of sound, while "silent" is an adjective describing something that makes no sound. "A deep silence" is the grammatically correct and commonly used phrase.

What does "a deep silence" typically symbolize in literature?

In literature, "a deep silence" can symbolize various things, including contemplation, tension, grief, or a significant unspoken understanding between characters.