in silence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in silence' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase typically implies a lack of noise, conversation, or speech. For example, "We stood in silence, listening to the sound of the wind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sanjuro listened in silence.

The New Yorker

Mathews dresses in silence.

The New Yorker

They drank in silence.

The New Yorker

Time passed in silence.

The New Yorker

They wait in silence.

The New Yorker

Everyone watched in silence.

The New Yorker

Taboos thrive in silence.

The Guardian - Opinion

They rode in silence.

The New York Times

Zyna sat in silence.

The New Yorker

I choreograph in silence.

The New York Times - Arts

They sat in silence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in silence" to describe situations where a lack of noise or conversation is notable, such as during moments of contemplation, respect, or tension.

Common error

Avoid using "in silence" when referring to a physical inability to speak (e.g., due to a medical condition). Instead, use terms like "mute" or "non-verbal".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in silence" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig examples show it describing actions such as listening, waiting, sitting, and traveling.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in silence" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe actions performed without noise or speech. As Ludwig AI states, it implies a lack of noise, conversation, or speech. It appears frequently in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral formality level. When writing, use "in silence" to emphasize the absence of sound during an event, but avoid using it to describe a physical inability to speak. Related phrases include "without a word" and "noiselessly", offering alternative ways to convey the same idea. This comprehensive guide provides insights into its proper usage, common errors, and relevant contextual applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without a word

Focuses on the absence of spoken communication.

tacitly

Implies agreement or understanding without explicit communication.

noiselessly

Highlights the lack of sound.

with no sound

Emphasizes the complete absence of any auditory sensation.

speechlessly

Emphasizes the inability or unwillingness to speak.

soundlessly

Similar to noiselessly, but can also refer to actions performed without sound.

in hushed tones

Suggests quiet speech, rather than complete silence.

without uttering a sound

Emphasizes a conscious choice to not make a noise

mute

Directly implies an inability to speak.

unspoken

Indicates something understood or communicated without being explicitly stated.

FAQs

How can I use "in silence" in a sentence?

The phrase "in silence" is used to describe an action or state that occurs without any sound or speaking, like "They sat "in silence", contemplating the view".

What are some alternatives to saying "in silence"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "in silence" with phrases such as "without a word", "tacitly", or "noiselessly".

Is it correct to say "in silent" instead of "in silence"?

No, the correct phrase is "in silence". "Silent" is an adjective, while "silence" is a noun. You can say "The room was silent", but the correct adverbial phrase is "in silence".

What's the difference between "silence" and "being in silence"?

"Silence" is the general state of lacking noise. "Being in silence" refers to the act of experiencing or maintaining that state. For example, "The power outage caused silence" vs. "They found peace "in silence"".