hushed silence

USAGE SUMMARY

"hushed silence" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is most often used to describe a scene or atmosphere of complete or near-complete quiet. Example: "The dining hall was filled with a hush silence as all the students waited to hear the principal's announcement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Hushed silence: the world had exploded.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then the conviviality gave way to hushed silence as the president of the United States rose to speak.

Princeton University

People at the dinner say that there was a hushed silence for a second as Rubio concluded with this refrain.

The New York Times

But just 20 minutes earlier, as Bill Finnegan stood at the microphone, came the meeting's single moment of hushed silence.

The New York Times

Ferdinand revealed Ferguson's announcement left the dressing room in hushed silence, but accepts the timing of his departure is fitting.

Independent

"I could tell when I was doing my close - that whole audience was absolute dead hushed silence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

I ask you, on behalf of myself and every other women who've been hushed, silenced; I ask you on behalf of every woman whose life and dreams were crushed, to raise your voice.

Huffington Post

Where conventional voice-and-piano duos follow a formula in which the music swells at dramatic moments, Ms. Stewart and Mr. Charlap use pauses, silences and hushed moments to bring out the interior lives of songs.

The New York Times

Where conventional voice-and-piano teams follow a formula in which the music swells at dramatic moments, Ms. Stewart and Mr. Charlap use pauses, silences and hushed moments to bring out the interior lives of songs.

The New York Times - Arts

Indeed, at a time when security and surveillance threaten privacy and other civil liberties, when wars and assassination are waged abroad in the name of security and democracy, art should be loud and challenging, skewering and ridiculing the powerful as much as possible, and not be muffled, silenced and hushed.

Huffington Post

"Silence" silenced.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hushed silence" to create a specific mood, such as anticipation, respect, or unease. Vary sentence structure to avoid monotony. For example, instead of "There was a hushed silence", try "A hushed silence fell over the room".

Common error

Avoid using "hushed silence" when the context already implies quiet. Instead of writing "The library was known for its hushed silence", consider just "The library was known for its silence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hushed silence" primarily functions as a noun phrase, combining an adjective ("hushed") modifying a noun ("silence"). It describes a particular state or atmosphere characterized by quiet and stillness. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hushed silence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in the English language. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's primarily employed to describe a calm, quiet atmosphere, often laden with anticipation or reverence. Its usage spans various contexts, prominently in News & Media, making it a versatile choice for writers aiming to evoke a particular mood. Alternatives such as ""pin drop silence"" or ""complete quiet"" offer similar connotations, allowing for nuanced expression. Remember to use the expression in sentences where it amplifies the scene and be aware of using "hushed silence" in situations where quietness is already implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pin drop silence

Emphasizes the extreme quietness, suggesting even a tiny sound would be noticeable.

complete quiet

Focuses on the absence of sound in its entirety.

utter stillness

Highlights the lack of movement and sound.

dead silence

Implies a more ominous or heavy quiet.

solemn quiet

Suggests the quiet is due to a serious or respectful occasion.

peaceful stillness

Emphasizes the tranquility and serenity of the silence.

subdued hush

Focuses on the quiet and restrained atmosphere.

expectant silence

Suggests a quiet anticipation of something about to happen.

reverent hush

Implies a respectful and worshipful quiet.

heavy quiet

Conveys a sense of weightiness or unease in the silence.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "hushed silence" in a descriptive sentence?

To effectively use "hushed silence", place it where it amplifies the emotional impact of a scene. For example, "The announcement of the verdict was met with a "hushed silence", reflecting the gravity of the moment".

What words are similar to "hushed silence"?

Alternatives to "hushed silence" include "pin drop silence", "complete quiet", or "utter stillness". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a hushed silence"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The article "a" emphasizes that it was one particular instance of silence that was hushed. It helps convey the idea of a specific moment or instance of quiet.

How does "hushed silence" differ from "awkward silence"?

"Hushed silence" generally describes a quiet that is respectful, anticipatory, or solemn. An "awkward silence", in contrast, usually indicates discomfort or tension between individuals.