brief silence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief silence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short period of quietness or lack of sound in various contexts, such as conversations, speeches, or narratives. Example: "After the announcement, there was a brief silence before the audience erupted in applause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No". Another brief silence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

An eery, brief silence.

The Washington Post

There was a brief silence.

The New Yorker

Another brief silence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A brief silence follows.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The authors grinned during a brief silence.

The New Yorker

Several commenters recounted similarly jarring experiences while enjoying brief silence.

The New York Times

After a brief silence, a 21-gun salute rang out.

The New York Times

There was a brief silence, then Pinter stepped forward.

The Guardian

There was a brief silence and then an explosion of applause from the audience.

The Times

Pacific Time, stunning the crowd on the beach in Newport into an eery, brief silence.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your descriptions of silence. While "brief silence" is effective, using synonyms like "moment of quiet" or "fleeting stillness" can enhance your writing style and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "brief silence" repeatedly in close proximity. Overuse can diminish its impact. Find alternative ways to describe quiet moments, focusing on sensory details or character reactions to create a more immersive experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief silence" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "brief" modifies the noun "silence". It denotes a short duration of quiet or lack of sound. Ludwig shows its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

16%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brief silence" is a common and versatile way to describe a short period of quiet. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While the phrase is effective, varying your descriptions of silence by using alternatives like "short pause" or "fleeting stillness" can improve your writing. Remember to use "brief silence" strategically to enhance the impact of your narrative, avoiding overuse to maintain its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short pause

Replaces "silence" with "pause", focusing on the temporary cessation of activity, not necessarily sound.

temporary quiet

Directly states the quiet is not permanent, focusing on the temporary nature of the silence.

moment of quiet

Emphasizes the tranquility of the moment, rather than just the absence of sound.

quick quiet

Uses "quick" as a synonym for "brief", maintaining the brevity aspect.

fleeting stillness

Highlights the transient nature of the quiet period, using "stillness" to suggest a lack of movement and sound.

split-second pause

Emphasizes the extremely short duration of the pause or silence.

transient quiet

Similar to "fleeting stillness", emphasizing the passing nature of the quiet period.

short hush

Uses "hush" to imply a sudden quieting, often in anticipation or surprise.

short-lived silence

Highlights that the silence is of short duration and will not last long.

momentary lull

Suggests a temporary break in activity or noise, implying a return to the previous state.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "brief silence" in a sentence?

Use "brief silence" to build suspense or emphasize a character's reaction to surprising news. For example: "After the announcement, there was a "brief silence" before the applause erupted."

What phrases are similar to "brief silence"?

You can use alternatives like "short pause", "moment of quiet", or "fleeting stillness" to describe a short period of quiet.

Is "brief silence" formal or informal?

"Brief silence" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the surrounding text and the intent of the writer than the setting.

What's the difference between "brief silence" and "awkward silence"?

"Brief silence" simply describes a short period of quiet. "Awkward silence", on the other hand, describes a quiet period filled with tension or discomfort, often due to a social misstep or unresolved issue.