a prolonged silence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prolonged silence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an extended period of quietness or lack of communication in various contexts, such as conversations, meetings, or situations where one expects a response. Example: "After the proposal was presented, there was a prolonged silence in the room as everyone absorbed the information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

A prolonged silence ensues.

The Guardian - Film

He lapses into a prolonged silence.

The Guardian

A prolonged silence ensued at the end of the line.

The New Yorker

"The lawyers would never approve that," Ms. Handler says after a prolonged silence.

The New York Times

After "Window of Opportunity," Gingrich lapsed into a prolonged silence, at least as a literary man.

The New York Times - Magazine

Characters' inner workings were signaled with an ill-chosen word, an offhand gesture or a prolonged silence.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"Let me talk to my supervisor," Rachel had finally said after a painfully prolonged silence, "and we will get back to you".

The New York Times

Prior to the Me Too movement, being blackballed, or rejected from an industry, has largely been a fear for accusers and a reason behind prolonged silence.

Huffington Post

By comparison, what poststructuralists call "conversations" are in fact -- consistent with the postmodern philosophy underlying them -- "dialectics" in which only one party can win, and therefore in which the party that has longest been kept silent must now coerce its opponent into a period of prolonged silence.

Huffington Post

Once a few seemingly eternal seconds had shifted us into the realm of prolonged silence – with a few heads shaking with empathic resignation – it was abundantly clear that this was a huge moment.

The Guardian - Opinion

The mad rush to chase a nonexistent trial was partly aggravated by the government's prolonged silence regarding Mr. Bo, a once-rising political star who has been held incommunicado since his detention last March.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a prolonged silence" to create dramatic effect or emphasize tension in writing. It is particularly effective when describing a moment of shock, contemplation, or disagreement among characters.

Common error

Don't assume "a prolonged silence" means nothing is happening. Skilled writers use it to convey unspoken thoughts, simmering emotions, or a shift in power dynamics. Make sure the silence serves a purpose in your narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prolonged silence" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It serves to name and describe an extended period of quiet. Ludwig examples show it denoting moments of tension, contemplation, or unease.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Lifestyle

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a prolonged silence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes an extended period without sound. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to emphasize tension, contemplation, or unspoken emotions, effectively adding depth to writing. While alternatives like "a lengthy pause" or "an extended hush" exist, "a prolonged silence" maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Use it strategically to create impactful moments in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lengthy quiet

Replaces "silence" with "quiet", emphasizing the lack of noise rather than communication.

an extended hush

Uses "hush" to suggest a more profound and perhaps anticipatory silence.

a drawn-out pause

Focuses on the interruption of activity, emphasizing the duration of the pause.

a long stillness

Emphasizes the lack of movement or activity, suggesting a complete absence of both sound and motion.

a significant pause

Highlights the importance or meaning behind the silence, rather than just its length.

a considerable lull

Suggests a temporary cessation of activity, often implying a return to noise or activity later.

a protracted quietude

Uses a more formal and literary term for quietness, emphasizing its sustained nature.

a sustained quiet

Highlights the continuous nature of the quiet, emphasizing that it was maintained over a period of time.

a lingering silence

Emphasizes that the silence persists longer than expected, potentially creating tension or unease.

a heavy silence

Adds a sense of emotional weight or tension to the silence, suggesting it is filled with unspoken feelings.

FAQs

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

You can use "a prolonged silence" to describe an extended period of quiet, often implying contemplation, shock, or tension. For example: "After the CEO's announcement, there was "a prolonged silence" in the boardroom."

What's a good alternative to "a prolonged silence"?

Alternatives include "a lengthy pause", "an extended hush", or "a long stillness", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a prolonged silence" in formal writing?

Yes, "a prolonged silence" is appropriate for formal writing, but consider the context. It's most effective when the silence itself carries significant meaning or contributes to the overall tone. Overuse can become repetitive.

How does "a prolonged silence" differ from a regular "silence"?

The addition of "prolonged" emphasizes the duration of the silence, suggesting it lasts longer than expected or is more noticeable. A regular "silence" is simply an absence of sound, while "a prolonged silence" draws attention to its length.