it was silent

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "it was silent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an atmosphere in which no sound can be heard. For example: "Walking through the deserted forest, it was silent - not even the sound of birdsong could be heard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Later it was silent.

The New Yorker

And then it was silent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not only that, it was silent!

The New York Times

It was silent on the Flushing section of Queens.

The New York Times

But it was silent on paid sex in private.

The New York Times

By Sunday night, it was silent at Shea.

The New York Times - Sports

It was silent and still, and I was completely calm.

The Guardian - Books

Bell said it was "Silent Spring" that encouraged her to step forward.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it was silent on the delicate issue of how to inform the public.

The New York Times - Science

Now it was silent outside except for the pounding of waves in the distance.

The New York Times - Sports

It was silent in the Lobatos' elegant apartment except for the muffled sound of traffic outside.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was silent," follow it with details about what would normally be heard, highlighting the unusual or significant absence of sound.

Common error

Avoid using "it was silent" as a filler phrase. Ensure that the silence serves a narrative or descriptive purpose, adding to the scene or character development, rather than simply stating the obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was silent" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing the quality of silence to a specific subject (represented by "it"). According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used in written English to denote an absence of sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was silent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the absence of sound. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various writing contexts, especially within News & Media, where it is most prevalent. When using the phrase, consider the specific nuance you want to convey—whether it's a peaceful quiet, an unsettling stillness, or a significant lack of expected noise. Remember that overusing this phrase without a clear descriptive purpose should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there was silence

Changes the sentence structure while retaining the core meaning of a lack of sound.

everything was quiet

Uses a different adjective to describe the lack of noise, focusing on peacefulness.

there wasn't a sound

Emphasizes the complete absence of any noise whatsoever.

a hush fell over everything

Implies a sudden onset of silence, adding a sense of drama or anticipation.

silence permeated the air

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of the silence.

the air was still

Conveys a sense of stillness and quiet, suitable for describing a serene environment.

you could hear a pin drop

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the profound quietness of a space.

absolute quiet reigned

Uses more formal language to emphasize the dominance of silence.

not a peep could be heard

Suggests a total absence of even the smallest sound, often used figuratively.

the world was mute

A more poetic and figurative way to describe the silence, suggesting a lack of expression.

FAQs

How can I use "it was silent" in a sentence?

Use "it was silent" to describe a scene where there is a notable lack of sound. For instance, "After the storm, "it was silent" except for the dripping of water from the trees."

What are some alternatives to using "it was silent"?

You can use alternatives such as "there was silence", "everything was quiet", or "a hush fell over everything" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it was silent"?

Yes, the phrase "it was silent" is grammatically correct. "It" is a pronoun, "was" is a form of the verb "to be", and "silent" is an adjective describing the state of "it".

What does "it was silent" imply in a narrative?

In a narrative, ""it was silent"" can imply various things, such as a moment of reflection, a sense of foreboding, or the aftermath of an event. The specific implication depends on the context of the story.