break the silence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'break the silence' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone is speaking or making a sound after a period of quiet or silence. For example: "The room was deathly quiet, until John suddenly broke the silence with a joke."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To break the silence".

The Guardian

it's time to break the silence.

The New York Times

They are trying to break the silence.

Princeton University

"The film helped break the silence," he said.

The New York Times

It is that shout that needs to break the silence.

The Economist

"People are ready to break the silence and the stigma".

Independent

"We need to break the silence around the subject.

The Guardian

"He was always available to break the silence".

The New York Times

And so Ms. Scholnick decided to break the silence.

The New York Times - Style

"How old you are?" I ask, attempting to break the silence.

Independent

Only Caijing dared to break the silence," boasts the magazine's website.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "break the silence" when you want to emphasize the act of initiating communication after a period of quiet or when addressing a taboo subject. This emphasizes the significance of the first utterance.

Common error

Avoid using "break the silence" in situations where silence is expected or natural, such as during a moment of respectful observation or in a setting where quiet contemplation is valued. The phrase implies an interruption of an undesirable silence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "break the silence" is that of a verb phrase, often used as the predicate of a sentence. Ludwig's examples indicate its function in describing the action of initiating communication or discussion after a period of quiet or avoidance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "break the silence" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to describe the act of starting to speak after a period of quiet, often to address a previously avoided topic. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this phrase. It's most frequently found in news and media, but also appears in formal business, academic, wiki, and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral register. Related phrases include "end the quiet", "start speaking", and "initiate conversation". When using this phrase, be mindful of the context to ensure its appropriateness, avoiding situations where silence is preferred. Top sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

end the quiet

Focuses on ceasing the state of quiet, similar to stopping silence.

start speaking

Highlights the action of beginning to talk, emphasizing the initiation of verbal communication.

initiate conversation

Emphasizes the beginning of a dialogue or discussion.

speak up

Suggests voicing an opinion or concern that was previously unsaid.

voice concerns

Specifically implies expressing worries or issues that were previously unspoken.

express oneself

Focuses on communicating one's thoughts or feelings.

make a statement

Implies a formal or deliberate declaration.

come forward

Suggests revealing information or admitting something, especially after concealment.

disclose information

Highlights the act of revealing previously unknown details.

air grievances

Implies expressing complaints or dissatisfactions.

FAQs

How can I use "break the silence" in a sentence?

You can use "break the silence" to describe the act of speaking after a period of quiet, or addressing a subject that has been avoided. For example, "She decided to "break the silence" and share her story".

What can I say instead of "break the silence"?

You can use alternatives like "end the quiet", "start speaking", or "initiate conversation" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "break the silence"?

It's appropriate when someone starts talking after a period of quiet, or when someone addresses a topic that has been avoided or considered taboo. It highlights the act of initiating communication in a setting where it was previously absent.

What's the difference between ""break the silence"" and "speak up"?

"Break the silence" generally refers to initiating any kind of communication after quiet, while "speak up" usually implies expressing an opinion or concern, especially when others are hesitant to do so.