make no noise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make no noise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to be quiet or to refrain from making any sound. Example: "During the presentation, please make no noise so that everyone can hear the speaker clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

They make no noise.

The New York Times - Science

Here, the children make no noise.

Independent

The device's movements make no noise.

MIT Technology Review

"They make no noise and go by you with a rush," said Police Capt.

The New York Times

Some require that you make no noise, or don't pass a certain heat threshold.

Independent

"I didn't understand why they didn't make no noise, because you can hear across," he said of the children.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The man makes no noise.

The Guardian

It makes no noise, leaves no wake.

Princeton University

There was a premium on making no noise.

The New York Times

They made no noise; they didn't twitch or flutter.

The New Yorker

For months on end, he moves in the shadows, leaving no fingerprints, making no noise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions in libraries, hospitals, or during performances, use "make no noise" to ensure a peaceful environment.

Common error

Avoid using "make no noise" when the context requires preventing specific types of sounds, such as loud music or disruptive talking. Instead, specify the prohibited action, for example: "Please refrain from playing loud music" or "No disruptive talking during the meeting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make no noise" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or requesting someone to refrain from creating any sound. This is supported by examples where it's used in contexts demanding silence, like libraries or during sensitive procedures. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make no noise" is a commonly used imperative that directly instructs someone to be silent or avoid creating any sound. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Academia and Wiki contexts, carrying a neutral tone suitable for various situations. While generally versatile, it's important to consider specific contexts where more precise instructions might be necessary. Alternatives like "remain silent" or "keep quiet" can be used depending on the nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

don't make a sound

A direct command not to produce any sound, highlighting the avoidance of even minimal noise.

keep quiet

Suggests maintaining a state of silence, often used as a direct instruction.

stay silent

Similar to 'remain silent' but emphasizes a continued state of silence.

remain silent

Focuses on the act of not speaking, shifting the emphasis from sound to speech.

refrain from making noise

A more formal way of saying 'make no noise', indicating a conscious effort to avoid sound.

hush

A simple and direct instruction to be silent.

hold your tongue

Implies withholding speech, particularly to avoid saying something inappropriate.

fall silent

Describes the action of becoming quiet, often in a group setting.

mute yourself

Commonly used in digital communication, it means to silence your microphone.

pipe down

An informal expression meaning to be quiet, often used in a slightly impolite way.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "make no noise" for children?

Instead of "make no noise", try gentler alternatives like "be as quiet as a mouse" or "use your quiet voices" to help children understand and cooperate.

Is "make no noise" a formal or informal expression?

"Make no noise" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings, although more formal options like "refrain from making noise" may be preferred in certain contexts. Consider the audience and situation to decide what's most appropriate.

What's a synonym for "make no noise" in a stealth context?

In situations requiring stealth, consider using phrases like "remain silent" or "don't make a sound" to emphasize the need for complete silence.

How does "make no noise" differ from "keep quiet"?

While both phrases instruct someone to be silent, "make no noise" focuses on avoiding any sound at all, whereas "keep quiet" often implies avoiding speech specifically. The best choice depends on whether the context requires absolute silence or just the absence of talking.