go silent

USAGE SUMMARY

"go silent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone, or a group of people, is speaking and you want to express that they should stop talking. Example: "No more talking, let's go silent and listen to what the instructor has to say."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

The machines go silent before daylight.

The New York Times

The entire world would go silent.

The New Yorker

Miles could make everybody go silent".

The New York Times - Magazine

And thousands of government-issued BlackBerrys would go silent.

The New York Times

At 8 46 a.m., the school grounds go silent.

The New York Times

Once its primary battery drained, Philae would go silent.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The room went silent.

The New York Times - Sports

Just went silent.

The New Yorker

"I went silent.

The New York Times

"Everyone just went silent".

The New York Times - Magazine

She went silent.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing "go silent". It often implies a sense of finality or cessation, so it's less appropriate for temporary pauses.

Common error

Avoid using "go silent" to describe a gradual decrease in sound or activity. Opt for phrases like "fade out" or "diminish" when the change is not sudden.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go silent" primarily functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of ceasing to make noise or communicate. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing both physical and abstract scenarios, from machines stopping to the reactions of crowds.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Social Media

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go silent" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the cessation of sound or communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and applicable in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it conveys a sense of abrupt silence or inactivity. While generally neutral, writers should avoid using it for gradual changes, opting for alternatives like "fade out" instead. Related phrases like "become quiet" or "fall silent" offer nuanced alternatives, depending on the desired emphasis. Understanding these subtleties ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become quiet

Focuses on the process of transitioning to a state of quietness.

fall silent

Implies a sudden or immediate shift to silence.

cease talking

Specifically refers to stopping the act of speaking.

quiet down

Implies a reduction in noise or activity.

become mute

Highlights the inability or refusal to speak.

stop communicating

Broadly covers all forms of communication, not just speech.

clam up

Suggests a reluctance to speak, often due to nervousness or fear.

become inaudible

Emphasizes the lack of audible sound.

lose voice

Focuses on the inability to speak due to physical or emotional reasons.

hush

Expresses a request or command to become silent.

FAQs

How can I use "go silent" in a sentence?

You can use "go silent" to describe a sudden cessation of noise or communication, as in "The machines "go silent" before daylight" or "The room seemed to "go silent" as Mayo's shot just before the final buzzer sounded".

What are some alternatives to "go silent"?

Alternatives include "become quiet", "fall silent", or "cease talking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "go silent"?

"Go silent" is appropriate when describing an abrupt or complete stop in sound or communication. It's less fitting for gradual decreases or temporary pauses.

Is "go silent" formal or informal?

"Go silent" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it appears more frequently in news and media reporting.