kind of mute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of mute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is somewhat silent or not speaking much, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "During the meeting, she was kind of mute, only chiming in when absolutely necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

There has always been a devotional cast to Ms. Rapson's art, a sense of work fulfilling some kind of mute memorial function.

The New York Times - Arts

Ryman's is a kind of mute art that, generating reverent and brainy chatter, puts uninitiated citizens in mind of the emperor's new clothes.

The New Yorker

Suddenly, the spectre of hard-line sharia — with its attendant focus on public morality, women's modesty, and abstinence from alcohol — loomed large, and a kind of mute shock descended.

The New Yorker

I can't pretend to think for the Met's new administration, but this "Ballo in Maschera" seems just the kind of mute archaeological reconstruction from which the company's newfound progressiveness wants to distance itself.

The New York Times - Arts

Whereas links on the Web today serve as a kind of mute bond between documents, Otlet envisioned links that carried meaning by, for example, annotating if particular documents agreed or disagreed with each other.

The New York Times - Science

"There's a button on my radio called Phone," said Earl Hefley, a musician in Oklahoma City, "and I think it's some kind of mute switch for when you're on a cell phone, but I don't know.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But Mr. Gordon's manipulations of sound in his careful improvisations (he is armed with several kinds of mutes) are as exciting as it gets.

The New York Times

Do you think that the changes in the global economy, the changes in the marketplaces that you're investing in, the kinds of reserves that the sovereigns have established and that kind of liquidity, will at least mute that kind of volatility?

Forbes

It's possible the president will put out some generic, "all voter fraud is wrong" kind of statement to try to mute some of the criticism.

Huffington Post

A stop at Manchester airport would help buy off the wealthy Cheshire set with a fast and accessible route to the capital, muting the kind of protests seen across the Chilterns, where residents face the disruption of high-speed rail with none of the benefits.

The Guardian

The act of telling, and of hearing, a story is figured time and again in our culture as a kind of remedy for death, in all its mute and unintelligible finality.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of mute" to describe a temporary or partial state of silence, rather than a permanent condition. It implies a subdued or restrained manner of speaking.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of mute" in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more precise and sophisticated language to convey the intended meaning, such as "reserved" or "uncommunicative".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of mute" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a state of near or partial silence. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is considered correct and usable in English. It describes a temporary condition rather than a permanent state of muteness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kind of mute" serves as an adjective phrase that describes someone as being somewhat silent or not fully expressive. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable in English, although its usage is more appropriate in informal contexts. When writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "somewhat silent" or "relatively quiet" in formal settings. The phrase is frequently encountered in news and media sources, as shown by the examples provided. Overall, it is useful to describe a temporary state of quietness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat silent

Indicates a lesser degree of muteness or quietness.

relatively quiet

Suggests a comparison to a usual or expected level of noise or speech.

slightly speechless

Focuses on the inability to speak at a particular moment, rather than a general condition.

partially silent

Emphasizes that silence is not complete.

rather taciturn

Describes someone who is habitually reserved or uncommunicative in speech.

somewhat uncommunicative

Focuses on a lack of willingness to share thoughts or feelings.

almost wordless

Suggests a near-absence of spoken words.

nearly voiceless

Emphasizes the absence of audible sound or expression.

approaching silence

Describes a gradual decrease in speech or noise.

moderately quiet

Highlights the moderate level of quietness observed.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of mute" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of mute" to describe someone who is unusually quiet or not saying much. For example, "During the meeting, she was "kind of mute", only speaking when asked a direct question."

What are some alternatives to "kind of mute"?

Alternatives include "somewhat silent", "relatively quiet", or "slightly speechless", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "kind of mute" grammatically correct?

Yes, "kind of mute" is grammatically correct. It's a common phrase used to describe a temporary or partial state of silence.

When is it appropriate to use "kind of mute"?

It is most appropriate to use "kind of mute" in informal or casual conversations. In more formal settings, consider using more precise synonyms to convey the intended meaning.