awful silence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awful silence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a silence that is particularly unsettling or uncomfortable, often in a dramatic or emotional context. Example: "After the shocking news was revealed, an awful silence fell over the room, leaving everyone in disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

There was a long, awful silence.

Independent

For a few seconds, there is an awful silence.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Children in their mother's arms go into that awful silence.

The Guardian - Music

They sat in awful silence in the living room, the television set dark.

The New Yorker

I began to formulate some kind of idea to try and make visual that awful silence".

The New Yorker

Dawn notices, and the awful silence is held for several beats before Peggy retreats, leaving the purse behind.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

There was an awful crash followed by a terrible silence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This awful, deathly silence".

The Guardian - Sport

And then you cease, and there is an awful grim silence as though you had been a complete failure … and then you hear the announcer saying 'London calling.

The Guardian

Passing swiftly over the hijacking itself (which would doubtless form the action-packed centrepiece of an equivalent Hollywood production), writer-director Tobias Lindholm lingers instead upon the excruciating aftermath in which fleetingly abrupt radio communications are interspersed with lengthy bouts of awful dead silence.

The Guardian - Film

"When my parents were actually rowing or when there was that awful sort of silence … I don't think you can really block that out".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "awful silence" to emphasize a moment of extreme discomfort, shock, or tension in your writing. It's effective when you want to convey a sense of unease or foreboding.

Common error

Avoid using "awful silence" in everyday conversations or light-hearted narratives. Its intensity is best reserved for scenarios where the silence carries significant emotional weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awful silence" functions as a noun phrase, where "awful" is an adjective modifying the noun "silence". It describes a specific type of silence characterized by its unpleasant or disturbing nature. As Ludwig AI describes, the phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "awful silence" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to depict moments of intense discomfort or tension. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a valid phrase in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, the phrase serves to emphasize the emotional weight of a scene, creating a dramatic effect. While "awful silence" is suitable for neutral and slightly formal contexts, overuse in casual settings should be avoided. Consider alternatives like "terrible silence" or "eerie silence" to fine-tune the specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrible silence

Uses a different adjective with similar negative connotation.

dreadful silence

Replaces "awful" with another synonym conveying intense fear or distress.

horrific silence

Emphasizes the shocking and disturbing nature of the silence.

ghastly silence

Suggests a silence that is unpleasant and frightening.

eerie silence

Implies a silence that is mysterious and unsettling.

uncomfortable silence

Focuses on the awkwardness and unease caused by the silence.

oppressive silence

Highlights the heavy and burdensome feeling of the silence.

heavy silence

Describes the silence as palpable and weighing down on those present.

pregnant silence

Suggests a silence filled with unspoken tension and anticipation.

deathly silence

Indicates a silence that is profound and suggestive of death or stillness.

FAQs

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

You can use "awful silence" to describe a moment of extreme discomfort or tension. For example, "An "awful silence" fell over the room after the shocking announcement."

What phrases are similar to "awful silence"?

Alternatives include "terrible silence", "dreadful silence", or "eerie silence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "awful silence" formal or informal?

"Awful silence" leans towards a neutral to slightly formal tone. It is appropriate for use in news reports, literature, and serious discussions. Using it in overly casual settings might sound out of place.

What makes "awful silence" different from "uncomfortable silence"?

"Awful silence" suggests a more profound and often disturbing lack of sound, implying a sense of dread or shock. An "uncomfortable silence", on the other hand, typically describes an awkward or uneasy pause in conversation.