incriminating silence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incriminating silence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone's silence or refusal to speak is seen as suggestive of guilt or wrongdoing. Example: "During the interrogation, the suspect's incriminating silence spoke volumes about his involvement in the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Yes," she finally says, realizing her silence is too incriminating.

Vice

His silence was deafening and incriminating all at the same time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Several editors he has spoken to are now asking themselves why there wasn't more questioning of whether Miller's silence reflects a fear of incriminating herself rather than betraying a source.

Huffington Post

(Thus, police are permitted to use incriminating statements made by a suspect after a long period of silence).

Encyclopedia Britannica

1229, 14 L.Ed.2d 1965(1965), makes plain, the Constitution also prohibits the government from burdening the right not to incriminate oneself by penalizing silence.

Cornell University

This Article traces the progress of the Court in creating meaningful protections for the right to silence in the face of state efforts to compel the production of incriminating evidence from individuals charged with criminal offenses.

Columbia University

The conservative, patriotic, deeply religious people of the downwind farms and towns suffered in silence for many years but were finally moved to action, aided by the release of incriminating AEC and Public Health Service documents by HEW Secretary Joseph Califano at the request of Utah's Gov. Scott Mathesen in 1979.

Los Angeles Times

If he testifies voluntarily he can be compelled to give incriminating evidence against himself; but, unlike a defendant in a criminal case, if he remains off the stand his silence can be used against him as 'evidence of the most persuasive character.' Bilokumsky v. Tod, supra, 263 U.S. at page 154, 44 S.Ct. at page 56.

Cornell University

Incriminating pictures spread fast.

The Economist

They said nothing incriminating.

The Guardian

Incriminating footage was posted on YouTube.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "incriminating silence", ensure the context clearly establishes the expectation of a response. The impact of the phrase is strongest when the absence of words directly implies guilt or involvement.

Common error

Avoid using "incriminating silence" when the reasons for silence are ambiguous. Ensure the silence is reasonably interpreted as an admission or indication of guilt, rather than simply a lack of knowledge or willingness to speak.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incriminating silence" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'incriminating' modifies the noun 'silence'. It describes a specific type of silence that suggests or implies guilt or involvement in wrongdoing. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incriminating silence" describes a silence that suggests guilt or complicity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability. While the phrase itself isn't overly common, it carries significant weight in legal, journalistic, and narrative contexts. The phrase is often found in News & Media, Academia and Encyclopedias. Using "incriminating silence" effectively involves ensuring that the context clearly implies guilt or an expectation of response, as misattributing silence can weaken the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

damning silence

Focuses on the severely judgmental or condemnatory aspect of the silence.

telling silence

Emphasizes that the silence is revealing or expressive, hinting at hidden truths.

guilty silence

Directly attributes the silence to a sense of guilt.

revealing reticence

Highlights how holding back information unveils something significant.

incriminating muteness

Emphasizes the state of being unable or unwilling to speak as self-implicating.

complicit silence

Suggests the silence implies involvement or agreement with wrongdoing.

self-implicating silence

Directly connects the silence to self-incrimination.

eloquent silence

The silence communicates something significant, even without words.

accusing silence

Suggests the silence points blame towards someone or something.

condemning silence

The silence expresses strong disapproval or censure.

FAQs

How can "incriminating silence" be used in a sentence?

You can use "incriminating silence" to describe a situation where someone's refusal to speak implies their guilt or involvement in wrongdoing. For instance, "During the investigation, his "incriminating silence" raised suspicions among the detectives."

What phrases are similar to "incriminating silence"?

Alternatives to "incriminating silence" include "damning silence", "telling silence", or "guilty silence". Each of these options suggests that silence is evidence of culpability.

Is it grammatically correct to use "incriminating silence"?

Yes, "incriminating silence" is a grammatically correct phrase. The adjective "incriminating" modifies the noun "silence", creating a descriptive phrase that is widely accepted and understood.

In what situations is "incriminating silence" most appropriately used?

"Incriminating silence" is most effective in contexts where there is a reasonable expectation of a response or explanation. For example, it could be used in legal settings, journalistic reporting, or narrative storytelling to highlight a character's implied guilt.