everything was quiet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "everything was quiet" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or environment where there is a lack of noise or disturbance. Example: "As the sun set over the horizon, everything was quiet, creating a peaceful atmosphere in the garden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Everything was quiet.

The New Yorker

"Everything was quiet," he said.

The New York Times

Everything was quiet — too quiet.

The New York Times - Sports

But now at lunch, everything was quiet.

The New York Times - Magazine

That evening, though, everything was quiet.

The Guardian

Everything was quiet outside for the moment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"It means everything is quiet".

The New York Times

Nothing happens, everything is quiet.

The Guardian - Travel

For now, everything is quiet at Balthazar.

The New York Times - Magazine

His article begins at 5 a.m.: For now, everything is quiet at Balthazar.

The New York Times

When he comes to the private who died, everything is quiet.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "everything was quiet" to effectively set a scene, create suspense, or emphasize a moment of reflection in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "everything was quiet" excessively in scenes primarily driven by dialogue, as it can disrupt the natural flow and pacing of the conversation. Consider using more subtle cues to indicate periods of silence or reflection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "everything was quiet" functions as a descriptive clause, providing information about the state of the environment or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound. Examples show it often sets a scene or indicates a lull in activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "everything was quiet" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a peaceful or still environment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase effectively sets scenes, creates suspense, or emphasizes moments of reflection. While versatile, avoid overuse in dialogue-heavy content. Alternatives include "all was still" and "silence reigned". Remember that while commonly used, variety enhances writing, so consider the nuanced alternatives provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all was still

Emphasizes the lack of movement in addition to the absence of sound.

silence reigned

More dramatic and evocative, suggesting a powerful or pervasive quiet.

a hush fell

Indicates a sudden onset of quiet, often after a period of noise.

peace prevailed

Highlights the overall sense of calm and serenity, not just the absence of noise.

the world was still

Expands the scope to encompass the entire environment, emphasizing a sense of stillness.

there was complete stillness

Focuses on the absolute lack of movement and sound.

everything was peaceful

Similar, but emphasizes the positive, harmonious aspect of the quiet.

the air was still

Implies a lack of activity or disturbance in the atmosphere.

absolute quiet descended

Suggests the quietness arrived from above, adding a dramatic effect.

a serene atmosphere enveloped everything

Shifts focus to the encompassing feeling of serenity, with quiet as a component.

FAQs

What does "everything was quiet" mean?

The phrase "everything was quiet" means there was a lack of noise or disturbance. It suggests a peaceful or still environment.

What can I say instead of "everything was quiet"?

You can use alternatives like "all was still", "silence reigned", or "a hush fell" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "everything was quiet"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. "Everything" is a singular pronoun, so it correctly takes the singular verb "was", and "quiet" is an adjective describing the state of everything.

How can I effectively use "everything was quiet" in a sentence?

Use "everything was quiet" to set a scene, create suspense, or emphasize a moment of reflection. For example: "After the storm passed, "everything was quiet", and a sense of calm settled over the town".