in utter silence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in utter silence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is complete quietness or absence of sound. Example: "The room was filled with tension as they waited for the results, sitting in utter silence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

I watched them eat their meal in utter silence.

The New York Times

We all went to bed in utter silence.

The Guardian - Film

I walked down the tracks in utter silence.

The New York Times - Travel

The Japanese, whose story she could also tell, are kept in utter silence.

The New York Times

Middleaged, dignified couple were sitting at table in utter silence for half an hour.

The New Yorker

But, as heretofore, I shall pass them over in utter silence".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The cabinet fell into utter silence for two minutes.

The Guardian

They were shamed into utter silence for the rest of the ride.

The New York Times - Travel

… That it plays in almost utter silence, background music aside, has become a selling point for Mr. Weinstein and others, who point to their own bravery in mounting a tribute to the silent era by relying, more or less, on its own techniques.

The New York Times

Around hilly terrain and windy roads we drive in complete, utter silence and darkness.

Huffington Post

"This is big," said Mr. Waffen, whose unit has custody of the belt as well as the original 8-millimeter home movie by Abraham Zapruder, which showed the assassination in color but utter silence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in utter silence" to create a sense of tension, solemnity, or anticipation in your writing. It's particularly effective when describing moments of heightened emotion or significance.

Common error

Avoid using "in utter silence" excessively in dialogue tags. While appropriate in narration, it can sound unnatural if characters constantly describe each other's reactions this way. Vary your descriptions with more specific emotional cues or actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in utter silence" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state exists. It emphasizes the complete absence of sound during the action or state, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in utter silence" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe a complete absence of sound. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news and media contexts, often conveying a sense of solemnity, tension, or anticipation. While alternatives like "in complete silence" or "in total silence" exist, "utter" adds a specific emphasis on the depth and completeness of the quiet. While the expression is helpful to define the complete lack of sound, avoid overuse in dialog to sound more natural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in complete silence

Replaces "utter" with "complete", emphasizing the totality of the silence.

in total silence

Substitutes "utter" with "total", highlighting the absolute lack of sound.

in absolute silence

Uses "absolute" instead of "utter", stressing the complete absence of noise.

in perfect silence

Replaces "utter" with "perfect", suggesting an ideal or undisturbed silence.

in profound silence

Substitutes "utter" with "profound", emphasizing the depth and intensity of the silence.

in dead silence

Uses "dead" instead of "utter", conveying a stillness that feels unnatural or ominous.

without a sound

Expresses the absence of noise in a more general way, not necessarily emphasizing the surrounding condition.

in hushed stillness

Combines silence with stillness, indicating a lack of both sound and movement.

in breathless quiet

Suggests a silence so complete it feels like holding one's breath.

in noiselessness

Uses a noun form to express the state of being without noise.

FAQs

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

You can use "in utter silence" to describe a situation where there is a complete absence of sound, such as: "The audience sat "in utter silence" as the speaker began."

What are some alternatives to "in utter silence"?

You can use alternatives like "in complete silence", "in total silence", or "in profound silence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "in utter silence"?

While "silence" inherently implies a lack of sound, adding "utter" emphasizes the completeness and depth of the silence, making it a common and acceptable phrase.

What is the difference between "in utter silence" and "in dead silence"?

"In utter silence" simply describes the absence of sound, while "in dead silence" often suggests an unsettling or ominous stillness, implying a sense of unease or anticipation.