is silent on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is silent on" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something or someone does not mention or address a particular topic or issue. Example: The company's policy is silent on the use of social media during work hours.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Merkel is silent on all these problems".

The New York Times

@Pontifex is silent on Pope's resignation.

The New York Times

Its index is silent on the subject.

The New York Times - Magazine

The law is silent on the question.

The New York Times

The report is silent on that, too.

The New York Times

International law is silent on this".

The New York Times

The PC is silent on such matters.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it is silent on how this should be done.

The Economist

Also, the bill is silent on the open justice principle.

The Guardian

It is silent on the form of the departure.

The Guardian

The Democratic platform is silent on the subject.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is silent on", ensure it's clear what subject is not being addressed and why that silence is significant. For example: "The report is silent on the environmental impact, raising concerns about potential oversights."

Common error

Avoid using "is silent on" without a clear subject. Instead of saying "The document is silent on it", specify: "The document is silent on data privacy protocols".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is silent on" functions as a predicate, indicating that a subject does not address, mention, or provide information on a specific topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig show it used to point out omissions in laws, reports, and platforms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is silent on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to highlight omissions or a lack of discussion on a particular topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as scientific and formal business contexts, this phrase effectively points out gaps, raises concerns, or identifies areas requiring further scrutiny. Alternatives like "does not address" or "makes no mention of" can provide nuanced variations. Remember to clearly specify the subject of the silence and consider the implications of that silence in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not address

Implies a deliberate avoidance of a topic.

makes no mention of

Focuses on the absence of any reference to a subject.

omits any discussion of

Highlights the exclusion of a topic from a broader conversation.

fails to consider

Suggests a lack of thoughtfulness or attention to a specific issue.

remains unaddressed

Emphasizes the continuing lack of attention to an issue.

offers no insight into

Highlights the absence of understanding or explanation.

provides no information about

Focuses on the lack of factual details on a particular topic.

doesn't touch upon

Implies that a topic is deliberately avoided or not explored.

bypasses the issue of

Suggests that an issue is intentionally avoided.

overlooks the question of

Highlights the inadvertent or deliberate neglect of a query.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is silent on" to sound more formal?

You can use more formal alternatives such as "does not address", "makes no mention of", or "omits any discussion of" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it always negative to say something "is silent on" a topic?

While often implying a deficiency or oversight, whether "is silent on" is negative depends on context. Sometimes, strategic silence is intentional. Consider alternatives like "does not address" or "remains unaddressed" for different nuances.

When is it appropriate to use "is silent on" in academic writing?

Use "is silent on" in academic writing to point out gaps in research, inconsistencies, or areas needing further investigation. For instance, "The current literature "fails to consider" the long-term effects of this policy."

What's the difference between saying something "is silent on" a topic versus "ignores" it?

"Is silent on" implies a lack of mention, while "ignores" suggests active disregard. Saying something "bypasses the issue of" implies a deliberate choice to avoid the topic, carrying a stronger critical connotation than simply being silent.