considerable silence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "considerable silence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or notable absence of sound or noise in a particular context. Example: "After the announcement, there was a considerable silence in the room as everyone processed the news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A considerable silence followed.

The New Yorker

There was a considerable silence, and no need to break it.

The New Yorker

Irene?" This question startled Sam, coming as it did in that tone and after a considerable silence.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Foos's expression, as he looked at me in silence, reflected considerable irritation.

The New Yorker

It was one of the most awkward, uncomfortable listens, as Derbyshire pursued questions over the considerable hurdles of long silences, lawyerly interventions and Siddique being unable to explain his online activities beyond attributing them to "curiosity and boredom".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Gene silencing has considerable promise for developing novel pest control techniques.

BMC Genomics

However, chromatin-bound Dot1 derepressed heterochromatin-mediated gene silencing over a considerable distance.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

The data presented here clearly demonstrate that SIP1 is downregulated and undergoes epigenetic silencing in a considerable proportion of HCCs.

BMC Cancer

The therapeutic use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) for cancer has gained considerable interest since its gene silencing properties were first described [ 24– 26].

BioMed Research International

When TLR2, TLR7 and TLR8 were silenced, there was a considerable decrease in cytokine secretion in human airway epithelial cells with HRV-6 infection [ 18].

BMC Infectious Diseases

She has a large catalogue of performed works to her name, which will silence any who doubt her considerable gifts, especially vocal.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "considerable silence" to create dramatic effect or emphasize a moment of contemplation in your writing. It can effectively signal a shift in mood or highlight the impact of a previous statement.

Common error

Avoid attributing "considerable silence" solely to agreement or understanding. Silence can stem from various reasons, including shock, disagreement, or simply not knowing what to say. Ensure the context supports your intended interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "considerable silence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "considerable" modifies the noun "silence". It describes the extent or degree of quiet. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "considerable silence" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, though relatively rare in occurrence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. It functions as a noun phrase, emphasizing the degree or extent of quiet and is often used to create dramatic effect or highlight a moment of contemplation. While neutral in register, it's important to consider the context to avoid misinterpreting the cause of the silence. Alternatives such as "lengthy silence" or "significant pause" may offer nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning. Ludwig's examples shows the phrase is most commonly found in news and media, science, and encyclopedia sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lengthy silence

Emphasizes the duration of the silence.

prolonged silence

Highlights the extended period without sound.

significant pause

Focuses on the noticeable break in conversation or sound.

notable quiet

Underscores the remarkable absence of noise.

marked stillness

Stresses the conspicuous lack of movement or sound.

extensive quietude

Highlights the broad and encompassing nature of the quiet.

deep hush

Suggests a profound and intense silence.

substantial lull

Emphasizes a significant period of inactivity or quiet.

noticeable quietness

Highlights the easy perception of the silence.

pronounced stillness

Indicates a very clear and evident lack of sound.

FAQs

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

"Considerable silence" is used to describe a significant period of quiet. For example, "After the difficult question, there was a "considerable silence" in the room."

What's a good alternative to "considerable silence"?

Alternatives include "lengthy silence", "prolonged silence", or "significant pause", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "considerable silence" formal or informal?

"Considerable silence" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the piece.

Can "considerable silence" have a negative connotation?

Yes, "considerable silence" can sometimes imply tension, awkwardness, or disagreement. The context will usually indicate whether the silence is positive (e.g., reflective) or negative (e.g., strained).