deathly hush

USAGE SUMMARY

"deathly hush" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a silent atmosphere, usually one that is eerie or oppressive. For example, you could say, "The audience sat in deathly hush as the verdict was read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This would tend to cause a deathly hush".

The Guardian - Arts

This year, All Souls' Night passed off in a deathly hush, save for a few damp squibs.

Independent

This year, the eve of All Saints passed in a deathly hush, save for a few damp squibs.

The New York Times

In the deathly hush that followed, General Motors launched a wave of discounts and credit incentives in a campaign to "keep America rolling".

The Economist

So is their droll, devil-may-care inventiveness.In this section Animal, vegetable, mineral His big moment begins The good woman of China French connections A deathly hush The Mac factor The cruellest cut ReprintsMr Lalanne died in December 2008.

The Economist

"During the '90 Open, some chock-a-block middle-aged woman from the other side of the pond was in here and said, 'Who is Tom Morris anyway?' and there was this sudden deathly hush".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Olinger was deathly still.

The New Yorker

Everything is deathly still.

Forbes

"Hush, Hush".

The New York Times - Books

People hush.

The New York Times

Now hush.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "deathly hush", consider the context. It works best when contrasting with previous activity or noise, amplifying the impact of the sudden silence.

Common error

Avoid using "deathly hush" in casual or mundane situations. Its strong connotation of suspense or unease can sound melodramatic if not used appropriately.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "deathly hush" is that of a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a silent atmosphere. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in depicting moments of profound quiet, often with an eerie or suspenseful quality.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deathly hush" describes a profound and often unsettling silence, typically used to create a dramatic or suspenseful effect. As Ludwig AI notes, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various writing contexts, although it's best to avoid overuse in mundane situations. Analysis reveals that it functions as a noun phrase and is most frequently found in News & Media sources. Related phrases such as "profound silence" or "eerie silence" can be used as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. While "deathly hush" is not exceedingly common, it remains a potent tool for writers seeking to emphasize a moment of profound quiet.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound silence

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the silence.

eerie silence

Highlights the unsettling or mysterious quality of the quiet.

oppressive silence

Suggests that the silence is heavy and burdensome.

complete stillness

Focuses on the absence of movement and sound.

intense quiet

Indicates a strong and noticeable lack of noise.

heavy silence

Implies the silence is thick with unspoken emotion or tension.

unnatural silence

Suggests the silence is out of the ordinary or unexpected.

pregnant silence

Indicates the silence is full of anticipation or unspoken meaning.

pin-drop silence

Emphasizes the extreme quiet, where even a pin dropping could be heard.

solemn stillness

Connects the silence to a serious or respectful atmosphere.

FAQs

How to use "deathly hush" in a sentence?

You can use "deathly hush" to describe a sudden and profound silence, often implying a sense of suspense or unease. For example, "A "deathly hush" fell over the crowd as the magician began his trick."

What's a similar phrase to "deathly hush"?

Alternatives include "profound silence", "eerie silence", or "oppressive silence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "deathly hush" formal or informal?

"Deathly hush" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but its dramatic tone makes it more common in narrative or descriptive writing than in casual conversation.

What does "deathly hush" imply?

"Deathly hush" typically implies a silence that is not only profound but also unsettling, often suggesting a sense of anticipation, fear, or respect in response to a significant event.