in total silence

USAGE SUMMARY

"in total silence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the environment around you in a situation where there is absolutely no noise. For example: "Everyone in the room sat in total silence as they waited for the verdict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was all done in total silence.

Independent

'Things get louder and louder,' he mouthed in total silence.

The Guardian - Music

You will be in total darkness, in total silence.

The New Yorker

You've been in total silence until this book.

The New York Times - Magazine

The game should be conducted in total silence and, if possible, in monastic garb.

The Guardian - Sport

The worst civilian nuclear disaster in history stared up at one in total silence.

The New Yorker

First-class next to a crying baby or coach in total silence?

The New York Times

During the last 20 minutes, the film plays itself out in total silence and obscurity.

The Guardian - Books

Ms. Stora would climb the stairs in total silence, she said, arched with fear.

The New York Times

People don't stop and watch somebody spin a hula hoop in total silence for forty-five seconds".

The New Yorker

Would you rather fly first class next to a crying baby or in coach in total silence?

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in total silence" to create a sense of anticipation, tension, or solemnity in your writing. It's effective when describing scenes where the absence of sound is significant.

Common error

Avoid using "in total silence" when you simply mean 'quiet'. The phrase implies a complete and often significant absence of any sound, not just a reduction in noise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in total silence" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe how an action is performed or a state is maintained. It indicates that something occurs without any accompanying sound, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in total silence" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the complete absence of sound. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It’s frequently used in news and media to create a specific atmosphere or emphasize a particular moment. While seemingly straightforward, it’s important to use "in total silence" when you truly mean a complete lack of noise, not just a quiet environment. Alternatives like "utterly silent" or "devoid of sound" can add a touch of formality, but the core meaning remains consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely silent

Emphasizes the completeness of the silence, similar to the original phrase.

utterly silent

Replaces 'total' with 'utterly' to stress the complete lack of sound.

without a sound

Focuses on the absence of any auditory emission, maintaining the core meaning.

devoid of sound

Uses 'devoid' to highlight the lack of sound, offering a more formal tone.

in absolute quiet

Substitutes 'silence' with 'quiet', maintaining the emphasis on the absence of noise.

noiselessly

Conveys the absence of sound through an adverbial modification.

speechlessly

Highlights the absence of speech, a specific type of silence.

wordlessly

Focuses on the lack of verbal communication, similar to 'speechlessly'.

taciturnly

Describes a state of habitual silence or reserve in speech.

in complete muteness

Indicates a state where someone is unable or unwilling to speak.

FAQs

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

You can use "in total silence" to describe an environment or action where there is absolutely no sound. For instance, "The audience sat "in total silence" during the performance."

What's a more formal way to say "in total silence"?

Alternatives like "utterly silent" or "devoid of sound" can offer a more formal tone while conveying the same meaning.

Is "in total silence" the same as "in complete silence"?

Yes, ""in total silence"" and "in complete silence" are largely interchangeable and convey the same meaning – the absence of any sound.

When is it appropriate to use "in total silence" rather than just "quietly"?

Use ""in total silence"" when you want to emphasize the complete absence of sound, often to create a specific mood or highlight a significant moment. "Quietly" simply implies a reduction in noise, not necessarily its complete absence.