a sudden hush

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sudden hush" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an abrupt silence that falls over a group of people or a situation, often indicating surprise or anticipation. Example: "As the announcement was made, a sudden hush fell over the crowd, leaving everyone in suspense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

There was a sudden hush.

The New Yorker

Halfway through the meal, there was a sudden hush.

The Guardian - Books

"Sure enough, I walk in, and there's a sudden hush.

The New York Times

A sudden hush, followed by the calls of terrified woodland birds, and a sense of something moving just beyond vision.

The Guardian - Books

Dance Roslyn Sulcas After the breathless crush of big company performances (New York City Ballet, National Ballet of Cuba, American Ballet Theater, Royal Danish) that dominated the New York dance scene this month, there's a sudden hush.

The New York Times - Arts

After the breathless crush of big company performances (New York City Ballet, National Ballet of Cuba, American Ballet Theater, Royal Danish) that dominated the New York dance scene this month, there's a sudden hush.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It started as a sudden, stunned hush.

The Guardian - Opinion

Under the harsh lights, and the sudden hush, the park had an eerie feeling, even while ringed by hundreds of officers and large police vehicles.

The New York Times

An eerie, sudden hush fell upon Hohokam Stadium on Friday afternoon in Mesa, Ariz.

Los Angeles Times

A sudden, unexpected attunement.

The New Yorker

A sudden flood?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sudden hush" to create a dramatic effect in your writing, signaling a significant change in atmosphere or a moment of high tension. It is particularly effective in narrative writing to draw the reader's attention to a pivotal event.

Common error

Avoid using "a sudden hush" when simply describing a generally quiet environment. This phrase implies an unexpected or notable silence, not just a lack of noise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sudden hush" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a specific instance of silence. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sudden hush" is a grammatically sound and evocative noun phrase used to depict an abrupt and often significant silence. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's most commonly found in News & Media, Arts, and Sports contexts, serving to build suspense or draw attention to a key moment. While "a sudden hush" isn't overly formal, it's more suitable for narrative or descriptive writing than technical prose. For alternative phrases, consider "an abrupt silence" or "a momentary stillness" depending on the specific nuance you want to express. Remember, the key is to use "a sudden hush" when you want to emphasize the unexpected nature and potential significance of the silence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an abrupt silence

Focuses on the immediate cessation of sound, emphasizing the starkness of the silence.

a momentary stillness

Highlights the brief period of inactivity and quiet, suitable when the silence is temporary.

an unexpected quiet

Emphasizes the surprise element of the silence, suggesting it was not anticipated.

a palpable silence

Suggests the silence is so intense it can almost be felt, adding a layer of sensory detail.

a breathless pause

Implies anticipation or tension before the silence, as if everyone is holding their breath.

a stunned silence

Highlights the shock or disbelief that caused the silence.

a heavy silence

Suggests the silence is laden with emotion or significance.

a complete cessation of sound

A more formal way of describing the stopping of noise

an immediate quietude

Quietude indicates calmness or peace

a deathly silence

Used to communicate an eerie or ominous silence

FAQs

How can I use "a sudden hush" in a sentence?

You can use "a sudden hush" to describe an unexpected silence that falls over a group or a place, often indicating surprise, anticipation, or tension. For example: "A sudden hush fell over the crowd as the magician revealed his final trick."

What's the difference between "a sudden hush" and "a sudden silence"?

While both phrases indicate a quick onset of quiet, "a sudden hush" often carries a stronger implication of anticipation or suspense, while "a sudden silence" is a more neutral description of the absence of sound.

What are some alternatives to "a sudden hush"?

Alternatives include "an abrupt silence", "a momentary stillness", or "an unexpected quiet", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a sudden hush" formal or informal?

"A sudden hush" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it tends to be more common in descriptive or narrative writing rather than technical or academic prose. Its formality depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the piece.