has gone silent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has gone silent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has stopped communicating or making noise. Example: "After the initial excitement, the group has gone silent, leaving us wondering what their next move will be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Ours has gone silent.

The Guardian

"He has gone silent," one official said.

The New York Times

Since then his stentorian voice has gone silent.

The New York Times

REBECCA MEAD: ABC has gone silent SALLYLAW: I still don't quite understand the trees.

The New Yorker

The city, once a cacophony of clanging machinery, immigrant languages and music, has gone silent.

The New York Times

The government has gone silent about its shibboleths of marketisation and deregulation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The streams have gone silent.

Independent

The gymnasium had gone silent.

The New York Times

The dog had gone silent.

The New Yorker

The radio had gone silent.

The Guardian

The crowd had gone silent.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's sudden lack of speech, consider the context. "Has gone silent" can imply deliberate withholding of information or a reaction to a surprising or shocking event.

Common error

Avoid using "has gone silent" when describing situations where something was never vocal or communicative to begin with. The phrase implies a change from a state of sound or communication to one of silence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has gone silent" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a change of state. It describes the action of becoming silent after a period of activity or communication. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, indicating a state of inactivity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has gone silent" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a cessation of communication or sound. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure that the subject was previously active or vocal to avoid misapplication. Alternatives like "has fallen silent" or "has stopped talking" can offer nuanced variations, but "has gone silent" remains a straightforward and widely understood choice for conveying a state of quietude after activity. The phrase holds a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles, while its meaning depends on the nature of the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has fallen silent

Implies a gradual decrease in noise or communication, highlighting the process of becoming silent.

has gone quiet

Indicates a reduction in noise or activity, not necessarily limited to speech.

has ceased communication

Highlights a formal termination of contact or exchange of information.

has stopped talking

Focuses specifically on the act of speaking, rather than other forms of communication.

is no longer vocal

Emphasizes the absence of expressed opinions or viewpoints, particularly in a public context.

is not saying anything

Directly states the lack of verbal expression, often in response to a question or situation.

has become mute

Suggests a complete inability or unwillingness to speak, potentially due to a physical or psychological reason.

is keeping mum

Implies a conscious effort to remain silent about a particular topic.

has clammed up

Suggests a sudden and deliberate refusal to speak, often due to discomfort or secrecy.

is remaining taciturn

Describes a person who is habitually reserved and uncommunicative.

FAQs

How can I use "has gone silent" in a sentence?

You can use "has gone silent" to describe someone or something that has stopped communicating or making noise. For example: "After the scandal broke, the company's PR department "has gone silent"."

What are some alternatives to "has gone silent"?

Alternatives include "has fallen silent", "has stopped talking", or "has become mute", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "has gone silent" in formal writing?

Yes, "has gone silent" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports or analytical pieces. However, in highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "has ceased communication".

What does "has gone silent" imply about the subject?

It often implies a deliberate choice or a forced inability to communicate. The reason behind the silence is not always explicitly stated, leaving room for interpretation based on the context.