breaking the silence

USAGE SUMMARY

"breaking the silence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of speaking or making a noise after a period of quiet or silence. For example, "The sound of his voice was a welcome break in the silence that had surrounded us for so long."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But online citizen journalism has been breaking the silence.

Columbia University

"No, it's a joke," Maher said, breaking the silence.

The Washington Post

I honked and honked, intrusively breaking the silence.

The Guardian

But breaking the silence is not a simple matter.

The Guardian

"The abuser never wants a spotlight on their actions, but breaking the silence is liberating.

The New York Times

For Ms. Patheja, the artist behind Blank Noise, breaking the silence has been healing, even empowering.

The New York Times

Scheduled departure in four hours, said the computer in the wall, breaking the silence.

Nature

But why? one of them would say, breaking the silence on their walk.

The New Yorker

"There is dew on the grass," said Anna Sergeyevna, breaking the silence.

The Guardian - Books

Let us start that war by breaking the silence around the issue of HIV/Aids.

The Guardian

There are no watercraft buzzing around, no motors breaking the silence of the woods.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "breaking the silence" in sensitive contexts like abuse or discrimination, ensure you provide resources or support information to empower those affected.

Common error

Avoid using "breaking the silence" in situations where there is simply no literal silence to break. It's a figurative expression, so it’s more appropriate for situations where something unspoken is finally being addressed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breaking the silence" functions primarily as a verbal noun (gerund). Ludwig examples showcase its use as the subject of a sentence or as part of a longer phrase describing an action or process, in line with Ludwig AI's assessment that it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "breaking the silence" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies the act of initiating conversation or revealing information previously unaddressed. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's prevalent in contexts concerning social issues, personal struggles, and political matters. The phrase carries a register ranging from neutral to professional, depending on the source, with news sources and formal documents being the most common. Ludwig's examples demonstrate the phrase's adaptability and wide usage, reinforcing its significance in contemporary communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ending the silence

Emphasizes the cessation of a period of quiet or secrecy.

shattering the silence

Implies a forceful disruption of an existing quiet or unspoken agreement.

speaking out

Focuses on the act of voicing opinions or concerns after a period of restraint.

opening up

Highlights the act of becoming more communicative or expressive.

giving voice to

Focuses on providing a platform or opportunity for expression.

lifting the veil

Suggests revealing something that was previously hidden or obscure.

voicing concerns

Focuses specifically on expressing worries or doubts.

coming forward

Implies stepping into public view to reveal information, often related to wrongdoing.

making an announcement

Refers to a formal declaration after a period of withholding information.

airing grievances

Highlights the public expression of complaints or concerns.

FAQs

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

You can use "breaking the silence" to describe the act of initiating a conversation or revealing information after a period of quiet or secrecy. For example, "Breaking the silence about mental health is crucial for reducing stigma".

What phrases are similar to "breaking the silence"?

Alternatives to "breaking the silence" include phrases like "speaking out", "ending the silence", or "shattering the silence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "break the silence" or "breaking the silence"?

The choice between "break the silence" and "breaking the silence" depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence. "Break the silence" is often used as an imperative or in a general statement, while "breaking the silence" is used as a gerund or part of a continuous verb tense. For example, "We must break the silence" versus "Breaking the silence is essential".

In what contexts is "breaking the silence" most often used?

"Breaking the silence" is frequently used in contexts related to social issues, personal struggles, or political matters where there is a need to address something that has been previously ignored or suppressed. You can see examples in news, academic articles, and formal reports.