dreadful silence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dreadful silence" is correct and can be used in written English.
Example sentence: The dreadful silence in the room was deafening.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A dreadful silence.

The Guardian - Books

A dreadful silence opened up in the conversation.

The Guardian - Opinion

By taking refuge through stonewalling the criticized person pulls him away from the discussion and puts a dreadful silence in his face.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It might explain the dreadful silences that too long plagued her family.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is a dreadful shriek, then silence.

The New Yorker

One idealistic junior nurse, who complained repeatedly that standards were dreadful, was threatened and silenced.

The Guardian

If I was out, there'd be dreadful sigh followed by a funeral silence.

Independent

You see the dreadful, dead country living in beauty, and feel that the silence pressing around it is alive".

The New Yorker

But then I went back and read another of his books, and it was so dreadful that I simply stopped reading, somewhere on Kansas City, and sat in silence until we landed at Newark.

The New Yorker

But now things are getting really serious, for at some point we accepted the dreadful premise that unpleasant – and yes "offensive" – opinions ought to be silenced by force.

Independent

This was met, reportedly, by stunned silence as if no one in the council chamber had ever heard anything so dreadful.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dreadful silence" to create a sense of foreboding or unease in your writing. It works well when describing a scene where something bad is about to happen or has just happened.

Common error

Avoid using "dreadful silence" repeatedly in scenes with lots of dialogue. Frequent use can weaken its impact. Opt for varied descriptions of reactions and atmosphere to maintain tension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dreadful silence" functions as a noun phrase, where "dreadful" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "silence". It is used to describe a particular kind of silence, one that is filled with dread or foreboding. The examples from Ludwig show its usage in describing tense or unsettling situations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66.66%

Wiki

33.33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dreadful silence" is a grammatically sound and infrequently used expression to describe a silence laden with unease or foreboding. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides real-world examples, primarily from news and media sources. While versatile, it is most effective when used sparingly to amplify suspense or tension. Related phrases like "eerie stillness" or "ominous hush" offer alternative ways to convey similar sentiments. Remember to employ "dreadful silence" thoughtfully to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eerie stillness

This alternative emphasizes the unsettling quiet and lack of movement.

unsettling quiet

This option highlights the disturbing nature of the silence.

ominous hush

This version suggests a threatening or foreboding silence.

heavy quiet

This emphasizes the oppressive or burdensome quality of the silence.

awkward pause

This suggests a silence filled with discomfort or social unease.

tense silence

This alternative emphasizes the strained and uneasy atmosphere created by the silence.

pregnant pause

This suggests a silence filled with unspoken meaning or anticipation.

chilling silence

This highlights the cold and frightening quality of the silence.

palpable quiet

This emphasizes the almost tangible and noticeable nature of the silence.

uncomfortable silence

This alternative directly points out the uneasy feeling the silence causes.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "dreadful silence" in a sentence?

Use "dreadful silence" to emphasize a moment of extreme tension or anticipation. It suggests something significant is about to happen or has just occurred, creating unease for the reader or audience.

What are some alternatives to "dreadful silence"?

You can use alternatives like "eerie stillness", "ominous hush", or "tense silence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "dreadful silence" a cliché?

While "dreadful silence" is a recognized phrase, it's not inherently a cliché. Its effectiveness depends on the context and how creatively it's used. Overusing it or relying on it as a crutch can lead to it feeling stale.

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

It is appropriate when you want to create a feeling of suspense or tension. It works well in horror, thriller, or dramatic scenes where the silence amplifies the emotional impact.