all quiet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all quiet" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a peaceful, undisturbed atmosphere or a lack of noise. For example: "The town had been under attack, but now it was all quiet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since then, its all quiet at the theocratic front.

Huffington Post

They were all quiet.

The New Yorker

It's not all quiet.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was all quiet.

The New York Times - Sports

Otherwise all quiet.

The Guardian - Sport

All Quiet followed soon afterwards.

The Guardian - Film

It's all quiet next door.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All quiet at scene of #SaintDenis siege.

Independent

James's critics are all quiet now.

The New York Times - Sports

All Quiet on the Eastern Front?

Stanford University

All quiet on the north-eastern front.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all quiet" to effectively set a scene or describe a situation where silence or lack of activity is significant, such as after a storm or during a tense standoff. This phrase is versatile and can enhance the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "all quiet" when you actually mean 'everything is calm' if there is a distinct lack of background activity, because this phrase implies something was potentially noisy or busy before.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "all quiet" is to serve as an adjectival phrase describing a state or condition. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It often modifies an implied subject, suggesting a situation where silence or inactivity prevails.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

24%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "all quiet" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe the absence of noise or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and applicable in diverse contexts, particularly within news and academic sources. While it's generally neutral in register, understanding its precise nuance is crucial to avoid misapplication. Using it effectively can add depth and impact to your writing by setting a scene or creating a specific mood, and remembering its significance is also important due to its association with the famous novel "All Quiet on the Western Front".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no sound at all

A direct and simple way to state the absence of any noise.

completely silent

Emphasizes the total absence of sound, making it a stronger assertion of quietness.

dead silent

Similar to "completely silent" but carries a stronger, more dramatic connotation.

perfectly still

Shifts the focus from sound to motion, indicating a lack of movement or activity.

hushed and still

Combines the concepts of silence and stillness for a more descriptive effect.

utterly peaceful

Highlights the tranquility and serenity of the situation, going beyond mere quietness.

calm and undisturbed

Emphasizes the lack of disruption or agitation, highlighting a sense of serenity.

entirely inactive

Focuses on the lack of action or operation, suggesting a pause or cessation of activity.

serene and tranquil

Similar to "calm and undisturbed" but with a more elevated and poetic tone.

quiet as a mouse

Uses a simile to emphasize the extreme quietness, implying a gentle and unobtrusive silence.

FAQs

How can I use "all quiet" in a sentence?

You can use "all quiet" to describe a scene where there is a noticeable lack of noise or activity. For example, "After the storm passed, it was "all quiet"." or "All quiet on the Western Front is a famous novel about World War I.

What are some alternatives to saying "all quiet"?

Alternatives include "completely silent", "perfectly still", or "utterly peaceful", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "all quiet"?

Yes, "all quiet" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It is often used to describe a state of peace or inactivity.

What does "all quiet on the western front" mean?

This is a phrase from the famous novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque, referring to the deceptive calm and lack of reported activity at the front lines of World War I, which masks the underlying horrors and potential for sudden violence.