a profound silence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a profound silence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep, significant, or impactful quietness in a particular situation or environment. Example: "After the announcement, there was a profound silence in the room as everyone processed the news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Even at its loudest, Barn Owl's music has a profound silence looming behind it.

The New York Times - Arts

A profound silence fell, broken only by spoons scraping on plates.

The Guardian - Travel

At Carnegie, there was a profound silence, and then the ovation began.

The New Yorker

Having uttered these words, he fell into a profound silence that left a great impression on Brod.

The New York Times - Magazine

When they crossed the bridge and their armored cars were rolling up Narodní a profound silence fell over the whole city.

The New Yorker

It was just the time when the maples were tinted the most brilliant autumn colors, and a profound silence reigned over the terrace on the hill that is the resting place for Fenollosa.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Tenzing conveyed a feeling of profound silence.

The New Yorker

In a few minutes, profound silence will begin and last until morning prayer.

The New York Times

In a time of great stress when many find it difficult to live, when disease and killing grounds reign, Diana, Apollo and our Earth bestow upon us a gift of profound silence this Winter solstice.

Huffington Post

Then follows an hour of profound silence.

The New York Times

The second show, "Andy Warhol: Shadows," at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, consists of basically just one piece: a mural-size, multipanel, mostly black "abstract" painting which, depending on your mood and your take on Warhol, can read as sublime or sinister, but either way radiates an air of profound silence.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a profound silence" to emphasize a moment of deep reflection or significant change in a scene or conversation. It is most effective when the silence contrasts with prior noise or activity.

Common error

Avoid using "a profound silence" repeatedly to describe reactions in dialogue. Varied descriptions, such as characters shifting uncomfortably or avoiding eye contact, will create a more dynamic and engaging scene.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a profound silence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "profound" modifies the noun "silence". This phrase typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a state of deep and significant quiet, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Travel

12%

Arts

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Wiki

3%

Opinion

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a profound silence" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a moment of deep and significant quiet. According to Ludwig AI, it is often employed to emphasize the impact of an event or to create a specific atmosphere. This phrase is most frequently found in "News & Media", as well as travel and arts contexts. When using "a profound silence", consider whether a simpler term like "a deep quiet" might suffice, and avoid overuse in dialogue to maintain reader engagement. It is important to note it’s a noun phrase, and that profoundly can't replace profound. Alternatives include "complete quietude" and "an intense hush", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deep quiet

Emphasizes the depth of the quietness, similar to silence.

a heavy stillness

Highlights the weighty and intense nature of the quiet.

complete quietude

Focuses on the completeness and tranquility of the quiet state.

an intense hush

Describes the high degree of quietness, often implying anticipation or awe.

a palpable quiet

Suggests that the quiet is so strong it can almost be felt.

an impressive quiet

Highlights the notable quality and power of the silence.

a marked stillness

Emphasizes that the quiet is noticeable and significant.

a significant pause

Focuses on the meaningful interruption of sound or speech.

a meaningful lull

Describes a temporary period of quiet with underlying importance.

a stunned hush

Implies that the quiet is caused by surprise or shock.

FAQs

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

You can use "a profound silence" to describe a moment of deep quiet that follows a significant event, highlights a character's emotional state, or emphasizes the solemnity of a scene. For example, "a profound silence fell over the crowd after the news was announced".

What's the difference between "a profound silence" and "a deep silence"?

"A profound silence" suggests a more meaningful or impactful quietness, often implying reflection or significance. While "a deep silence" simply indicates a strong degree of quiet, "a profound silence" adds an element of emotional or intellectual weight.

What can I say instead of "a profound silence"?

You can use alternatives like "a deep quiet", "complete quietude", or "an intense hush" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a profoundly silence"?

No, "a profoundly silence" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "a profound silence", where "profound" is an adjective modifying the noun "silence".