did not utter a word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not utter a word" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone remains silent or chooses not to speak in a particular context. Example: "During the meeting, she was so shocked by the news that she did not utter a word."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Harold did not utter a word.

The New York Times

The manager did not utter a word.

The New York Times - Sports

Arab leaders did not utter a word of condemnation.

The Economist

President Barack Obama did not utter a word of condemnation.

The New Yorker

Significantly, Twickenham did not utter a word on the subject.

Independent

Erdogan did not utter a word of condolence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

'Mariam didn't utter a word from the moment she entered the maternity, until her death,' remembers Rachel Danmadgi.

The Guardian

"He's called for the reintroduction of deeply damaging open-cast coal mining, only had one meeting with his shadow environment team in nine months as leader, and didn't utter a word of protest when Theresa May scrapped the Department for Energy and Climate Change.

The Guardian - Money

Rami, the brother, nodded in agreement, but didn't utter a word.

Los Angeles Times

In the end, she didn't utter a word of complaint, because this was her workplace and the only hospital in town.

HuffPost

Other times, we were introduced to gaunt, malnourished families, parentless children or single mothers and fathers who didn't utter a word.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "did not utter a word" to emphasize a deliberate or noticeable silence, especially when speech might be expected.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "did not utter a word" can sound slightly informal in very formal writing. Consider using synonyms like "remained silent" or "offered no comment" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not utter a word" functions as a descriptive element, indicating a lack of verbal communication. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various narrative and reporting contexts, emphasizing silence in situations where speech might be anticipated.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "did not utter a word" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize someone's silence, especially when speech is expected. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "remained silent" in highly professional settings. When using the phrase, focus on highlighting the significance of the silence within the given context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained silent

Focuses on the state of being quiet; more general.

said nothing

A simple and direct alternative.

didn't say a thing

More colloquial than the original.

held one's tongue

Implies a deliberate effort to avoid speaking.

never spoke

Highlights a complete absence of speech.

kept mum

An informal, idiomatic expression.

didn't breathe a word

Emphasizes secrecy or discretion.

offered no comment

Often used in formal or professional contexts.

was speechless

Suggests being unable to speak due to surprise or shock.

made no utterance

A more formal and somewhat archaic alternative.

FAQs

What does "did not utter a word" mean?

The phrase "did not utter a word" means that someone remained completely silent and said nothing at all.

What can I say instead of "did not utter a word"?

You can use alternatives like "remained silent", "said nothing", or "kept mum" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "did not utter a word"?

Yes, "did not utter a word" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "did not utter a word"?

It is appropriate to use "did not utter a word" when you want to emphasize someone's complete silence, especially in situations where they might have been expected to speak. It can also highlight a deliberate choice not to speak.