completely silent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely silent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of total quietness or absence of sound. Example: "The library was completely silent, allowing everyone to focus on their studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The UPS is of fail-safe design, completely silent and very reliable, thanks to the complete absence of moving parts.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

It's completely silent.

The New Yorker

I went completely silent.

The New York Times - Arts

It was completely silent.

The Economist

Others, completely silent.

The Guardian

The room was completely silent.

The New Yorker

The toilet was completely silent.

The New Yorker

"The audience goes completely silent.

The Guardian - Business

The labour unions are completely silent.

The Guardian

My cousins were completely silent now.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The UN has gone completely silent.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for formal or scientific writing, consider using "completely silent" to ensure clarity and precision when describing experimental conditions or technological specifications.

Common error

Avoid using "completely silent" in casual conversation where simpler terms like "quiet" or "still" might be more appropriate, maintaining a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely silent" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes a state or condition characterized by the total absence of sound. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completely silent" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase that effectively conveys the total absence of sound. As Ludwig's analysis indicates, the phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but it also appears in scientific and academic writing. The phrase's neutral register makes it appropriate for a wide range of situations, from formal reports to general descriptions. Remember that while "silent" alone implies a lack of sound, "completely silent" provides added emphasis. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is a perfectly acceptable part of the English language. When choosing to use it, be mindful of your audience and the level of emphasis you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly soundless

Emphasizes the total absence of sound, adding a degree of intensity.

perfectly noiseless

Highlights the lack of noise, focusing on the ideal absence of any disturbance.

totally quiet

A simpler alternative, focusing on the overall absence of noise.

absolutely hushed

Emphasizes a subdued and peaceful atmosphere, suggesting a gentle silence.

deathly still

Implies a silence that is eerie or unsettling, often associated with the absence of life.

entirely mute

Focuses on the inability to produce sound, often referring to a person or object.

pin-drop silence

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the completeness of the silence.

stone-cold silence

Emphasizes the cold and absolute nature of the silence.

not a peep

Informal expression that emphasizes complete silence, often when some sound was expected.

inaudible

Focuses on the inability to be heard, because the sound, if there is any, is too faint.

FAQs

How can I use "completely silent" in a sentence?

You can use "completely silent" to describe a state of total quietness, like "The library was "completely silent"", or an object that makes no noise, like "The new electric car is "completely silent"".

What words can I use instead of "completely silent"?

Alternatives to "completely silent" include "utterly soundless", "totally quiet", or "absolutely hushed", each adding a slightly different nuance to the description of silence.

Is it redundant to say "completely silent"?

While "silent" alone implies an absence of sound, "completely silent" emphasizes the totality of the silence. Its use depends on the context and the degree of emphasis you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "completely silent" and "perfectly quiet"?

"Completely silent" emphasizes the absence of any sound whatsoever. "Perfectly quiet", on the other hand, can imply a serene or peaceful atmosphere in addition to the lack of disruptive noise.