long silence

USAGE SUMMARY

"long silence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a period of silence that has persisted for a significant amount of time. For example, "After John finished speaking, there was a long silence while everyone took in what he said."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Long silence).

The New Yorker

Another long silence.

The New Yorker

A long silence.

The New Yorker

Sorry for the long silence.

The New Yorker

There was another long silence.

The New Yorker

There was a long silence.

The New Yorker

There is long silence.

The New Yorker

"A very long silence.

The New York Times

A long silence followed.

The Guardian - Books

SL [Long silence.] Hmmm.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A long silence fell.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "long silence" to effectively create tension or emphasize a character's reaction in narratives. It's a powerful tool for conveying unspoken emotions or significant pauses in dialogue.

Common error

Avoid using "long silence" repetitively within a short span. Instead, vary your descriptions with alternatives like "extended pause" or "prolonged stillness" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long silence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a period of quiet, emphasizing its duration. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long silence" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an extended period of quiet. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively conveys contemplation, discomfort, or emotional weight in narratives. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "extended pause" or "prolonged stillness" to maintain reader engagement. In essence, "long silence" is a powerful tool for adding depth and subtext to your writing when used thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extended pause

Emphasizes the duration of the break in speech or activity.

lengthy quiet

Focuses on the duration of the absence of noise.

considerable pause

Indicates a noticeable and significant break.

prolonged stillness

Highlights the lack of movement or sound over a considerable time.

substantial silence

Highlights the importance or impact of the silence due to its length.

protracted hush

Suggests a deep and sustained quietness, possibly after a noise.

lingering silence

Suggests the silence continues longer than expected or desired.

deep silence

Emphasizes the profound and intense nature of the silence.

noticeable lull

Implies a temporary pause that is easily observed.

marked quietness

Focuses on the evident and distinct nature of the silence.

FAQs

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

You can use "long silence" to describe a pause in conversation or activity. For example: "After the question, there was a "long silence" as everyone considered the implications."

What are some alternatives to "long silence"?

Alternatives include "extended pause", "prolonged stillness", or "lengthy quiet" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "long silence"?

Yes, "long silence" is grammatically correct. "Long" is an adjective modifying the noun "silence".

What does a "long silence" usually indicate in writing?

A "long silence" often indicates contemplation, discomfort, tension, or a significant emotional reaction from the characters involved.