has remained mum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has remained mum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has chosen not to speak or comment on a particular issue or topic. Example: "Despite the ongoing controversy, the politician has remained mum about the allegations against him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Ms. O'Brien has remained mum.

The New York Times

So far he has remained mum on his Twitter account about this week's appearance.

The New York Times

While many Nigerians are outraged, Mr. Jonathan's administration has remained mum on the issue.

The New York Times

But so far, the fund has remained mum on the deal.

The New York Times

The White House has remained mum on whether it will reappoint Mr. Battista.

The New York Times

President Daniel arap Moi also has remained mum on the agreement, negotiated by FBI Director Louis J. Freeh during an overnight visit to Nairobi last week.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Most Western nations, though disturbed, have remained mum.

The New York Times

Hadley noted Morrison could have remained mum on the issue.

The Guardian

But so far, the governor and members of his administration have remained mum about any plans.

The New York Times

Even the conservative, often gay-baiting cultural warriors who have egged on Mr. Giuliani's bullying decency crusade against the city's museums have remained mum.

The New York Times

The agency and its client have remained mum about their roles, even in the face of mounting inquiries as to whether the tall tale of the robots is true or false.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has remained mum" when you want to emphasize a deliberate choice to not comment or provide information, often in a situation where a response might be expected.

Common error

Avoid using "has remained mum" in casual or informal settings; it is better suited for news reports, formal announcements, or discussions of sensitive topics where the silence is notable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has remained mum" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of silence or a deliberate refusal to comment on a particular issue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has remained mum" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe someone's deliberate choice to not comment on a particular issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While primarily found in news and media contexts, its use indicates a level of formality and strategic communication. Alternative phrases such as "has stayed silent" or "has not commented" offer similar meanings but may lack the same emphasis on intentional silence. When using the phrase, consider its formal tone and ensure it aligns with the context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has stayed silent

Focuses on the act of staying silent without necessarily implying a previous expectation of speech.

has kept quiet

Highlights the act of maintaining silence, often implying discretion or secrecy.

has not commented

Directly states the absence of commentary on a subject.

has declined to comment

Indicates a deliberate refusal to provide a statement.

has offered no response

Emphasizes the lack of any reply or reaction.

has given no statement

Highlights the absence of a formal statement on a matter.

has not made any remarks

Focuses on the absence of any spoken observations or comments.

has refrained from speaking

Indicates a conscious effort to avoid speaking about something.

has been tight-lipped

Suggests a deliberate withholding of information.

has kept a lid on it

Implies an effort to suppress information or prevent it from becoming public.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "has remained mum"?

It means that someone has chosen not to speak or comment on a particular issue, often implying a deliberate decision to stay silent.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "has remained mum"?

It's appropriate to use it in situations where someone's silence is notable or newsworthy, particularly when a response might be expected, such as in politics, business, or sensitive personal matters.

What are some alternative phrases I can use instead of "has remained mum"?

You can use alternatives like "has stayed silent", "has kept quiet", or "has not commented" depending on the context.

Is "has remained mum" more formal or informal?

The phrase "has remained mum" is generally considered more formal and is often found in news articles and official statements. For more casual conversations, simpler phrases like "has stayed quiet" might be more suitable.