gaps and silences

USAGE SUMMARY

'gaps and silences' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to literal or figurative pauses in speech or otherwise. For example, "The gaps and silences in their conversation reminded me of how far apart they had grown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

By contrast, the novel works obliquely with gaps and silences.

The Economist

I have tried to guess, I hope not too implausibly, at what the gaps and silences might mean.

The Guardian - Books

Among other things, they're about how gaps and silences can affect the syntax of what appears to be said.

The New Yorker

At the end of her biography, Lee writes about the "gaps and silences" left between the pages of her book.

The New Yorker

Cézanne's letters, supported by well-chosen fragments from the letters of significant others, provide a subtle, intimate, oblique account of his life, with as many gaps and silences as a serious, private person working in isolation could wish for.

The Guardian - Arts

One of the pleasures of Mr. Hong's films is their complexity or, more precisely, the pleasures you get as a viewer from working through the involved structures and filling in gaps and silences.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Therefore, the development of novel antiviral agents is needed to close the vaccination gap and silence outbreaks.

Peptides

Where once the Victorian novel was lace-like with decorous gaps and tactful silences, now it is packed hard with crude fact and dirty detail.

The Guardian - Books

Its gaps and fissures, its silences, its elaboration of attachment, separation and loss amount to a profound meditation on the nature of national identity, enforced emigration and the dispersal of a people into lands frequently inhospitable and alienating, there to forge a new life.

The Guardian - Books

After about twenty minutes, the loop begins to audibly decay, and for the next forty minutes the tape edits itself, introducing gaps and bits of silence that create a lopsided rhythm.

The New Yorker

Passive aggressiveness is an attempt to regain power and relieve the tension created by that gap between anger and silence.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gaps and silences" to describe not only literal pauses in conversation but also figurative absences in narratives, data or historical accounts. For example, when analyzing historical documents, you can highlight the "gaps and silences" to reveal potential biases or missing perspectives.

Common error

While "gaps and silences" is effective, avoid overuse by varying your language. Consider using synonyms such as "omissions and pauses" or "absences and quietude" to maintain reader engagement and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaps and silences" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb or as a subject complement. It denotes the absence of information, dialogue, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

23%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gaps and silences" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote absences, omissions, or unspoken elements in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific domains, it serves to prompt deeper analysis and interpretation. When using this phrase, consider varying your language to avoid repetition and ensure precise communication. Understanding the nuances of what is not said or included can provide valuable insights across different fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

omissions and pauses

This alternative replaces "gaps" with "omissions" and "silences" with "pauses", focusing on what is left out or unsaid.

empty spaces and quiet moments

This phrase uses more descriptive language to evoke a sense of absence and tranquility.

breaks and lulls

This option emphasizes the interruptions and temporary periods of inactivity.

voids and stillness

This alternative evokes a deeper sense of emptiness and lack of movement or sound.

lacunae and reticence

This phrase employs more formal and technical vocabulary to describe missing parts and unspoken thoughts.

absences and quietude

This alternative highlights the state of being absent and the quality of being quiet.

interruptions and pauses

This phrase focuses on breaks in continuity and temporary cessations.

blanks and hush

This option uses simpler terms to convey the idea of unfilled spaces and quietness.

unfilled spaces and moments of calm

This version expands on the idea of "gaps" and "silences" with more detailed descriptions.

interruptions and unspoken words

This alternative emphasizes the breaks in conversation or narrative and the thoughts that are not expressed.

FAQs

How can "gaps and silences" be used in a sentence?

You can use "gaps and silences" to refer to literal pauses in conversation or figurative absences in a narrative. For example, "The historian examined the "gaps and silences" in the official records to uncover the full story".

What are some alternatives to "gaps and silences"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "omissions and pauses", "empty spaces and quiet moments", or "breaks and lulls".

What does it mean to analyze the "gaps and silences" in a text?

Analyzing the "gaps and silences" involves examining what is not explicitly stated or included in a text. This can reveal underlying biases, hidden perspectives, or unspoken assumptions within the material.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "gaps and silences"?

The phrase "gaps and silences" is appropriate in academic, literary, and analytical contexts where you need to discuss omissions, absences, or unspoken elements. It's commonly used in fields like history, literature, and social sciences.