crushing silence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crushing silence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an overwhelming or oppressive quietness, often in a dramatic or emotional context. Example: "After the announcement, a crushing silence fell over the room, leaving everyone in shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

At 59, Davis is familiar with the crushing silence of a phone that never rings.

The Guardian - Film

To this day he can't stand "the crushing silence of having nothing electronic on".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This frustrating and crushing silence makes even the form letters greatly appreciated: a generic rejection is better than ambiguity.

Huffington Post

I imagined Murphy in a human hospital bed, watching some heavily made-up TV judge shoot a glance to her sassy bailiff, IV in his arm, ambient beeps of monitors filling out the crushing silence.

Vice

That sudden, crushing silence in the pub after the goal that knocked England out – the silence, both internal and external; how you stared at the screen, but in your confusion you couldn't really see it – when you join the proper fan hustle, that silence will be your bedfellow until sweet death do you part.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Footfall on gravel, then crushed shells, silence when she reached the sand.

The New Yorker

They are being crushed into silence, but they won't be silent forever.

Huffington Post

We've been crushed and silenced.

The New York Times - Books

"We've been crushed and silenced," says a colleague of Dai Wei's whose legs are trampled under a P.L.A. tank.

The New Yorker

You guessed it, just like so many others, I was crushed and silenced from such a shocking election cycle defeat.

Huffington Post

I also consider the New York authorities' tactic of mass arrests just a pretext for crushing dissent and silencing antiwar voices during convention week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crushing silence" to create a dramatic effect, particularly when describing moments of shock, disappointment, or tension. It's effective in both narrative and descriptive writing to convey a powerful emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "crushing silence" too frequently, as it can lose its impact. Reserve it for moments where the silence truly carries significant weight and emotional intensity, rather than using it as a general descriptor for any quiet scene.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crushing silence" functions as a descriptive element, adding emotional weight to the concept of silence. It's an adjective-noun combination where the adjective 'crushing' intensifies the feeling associated with the 'silence'. Ludwig shows various examples where this phrase is used to depict intense or dramatic moments.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crushing silence" is a grammatically sound and evocative phrase used to describe an intense, emotionally charged quietness. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English, particularly in News & Media contexts, where it creates a dramatic effect. While it is considered correct, it should be used judiciously to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "oppressive silence" or "deafening silence" can offer nuanced variations. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is best reserved for moments where silence carries significant weight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oppressive silence

Replaces "crushing" with "oppressive", highlighting the burdensome nature of the silence.

deafening silence

Emphasizes the intensity of the silence, almost as if it were a loud sound.

heavy silence

Highlights the weighty and substantial feel of the silence.

suffocating silence

Suggests the silence is overwhelming and restrictive.

overwhelming quiet

Focuses on the encompassing nature of the quiet, similar to "crushing".

weighty stillness

Combines the idea of heaviness with lack of movement or sound.

palpable quiet

Indicates that the quiet is so intense it feels almost tangible.

thick silence

Suggests the silence is dense and difficult to penetrate.

intense quiet

Directly describes the high degree of quiet, mirroring the intensity of "crushing".

stifling stillness

Emphasizes how the stillness and lack of noise can feel trapped or suppressed.

FAQs

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

You can use "crushing silence" to describe a moment when quietness is overwhelming or oppressive, often after a significant event or announcement. For example: "After the verdict was read, a "crushing silence" fell over the courtroom."

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

Alternatives to "crushing silence" include "oppressive silence", "deafening silence", or "heavy silence". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "crushing silence" a literal or figurative expression?

"Crushing silence" is a figurative expression. It uses the adjective "crushing" to emphasize the overwhelming and impactful nature of the silence, rather than a literal physical crushing.

When is it appropriate to use "crushing silence" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "crushing silence" when you want to emphasize the dramatic effect of a quiet moment. It is useful when the silence is not just an absence of sound, but also carries emotional weight or tension.