not a peep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not a peep" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that there has been no sound or communication from someone or something, often implying silence or lack of response. Example: "I waited for hours, but there was not a peep from the other side of the door."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Then, not a peep.

The New York Times

Not a peep.

The New York Times

Not a peep about Poland.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Not a peep," he said.

The Guardian

Not a peep did I utter!

The New York Times

Not a peep from Mr. Morsi.

The New York Times

Not a peep from the public.

The New York Times

But out of Mbeki, not a peep.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not a peep about a doctrine.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not a peep has been heard from her.

The Guardian

Yet you hear not a peep about it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not a peep" to emphasize a lack of communication or sound, often to create a sense of suspense or disapproval. For instance, use it when expecting a response but receiving none.

Common error

Avoid using "not a peep" in formal or technical writing where a more precise and neutral term like "no response" or "silence" would be more appropriate. Idioms can reduce clarity in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not a peep" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used to emphasize the absence of any sound or communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common way to express that someone remained completely silent or that there was no response whatsoever. See Ludwig's examples for more details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "not a peep" is a frequently used idiom to denote a complete lack of sound or communication. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and most commonly found in news and media contexts. It serves to emphasize silence, often with an underlying tone of surprise or disapproval. While highly prevalent, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "silence" or "no response" in professional or academic writing. The examples provided by Ludwig confirm its consistent usage and meaning across various sources, reinforcing its reliability in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter silence

Emphasizes the complete absence of sound.

complete silence

Highlights the thoroughness of the silence.

total silence

Stresses the absolute lack of sound.

no sound at all

Directly states the complete lack of any auditory input.

not a word

Focuses on the absence of any verbal communication.

no response

Highlights the lack of reaction or answer.

no reaction

Emphasizes the absence of any observable response.

absence of comment

Specifically refers to the lack of any commentary or statement.

deathly hush

Conveys a silence that is heavy and unsettling.

pin drop silence

Describes a silence so profound that even a pin dropping would be audible.

FAQs

How can I use "not a peep" in a sentence?

You can use "not a peep" to indicate a complete lack of sound or communication, as in, "I waited for hours, but there was "not a peep" from anyone inside".

What does "not a peep" mean?

"Not a peep" means there was complete silence or no communication whatsoever. It's an idiomatic expression often used to express surprise or disapproval at the absence of any sound or response.

What can I say instead of "not a peep"?

You can use alternatives like "utter silence", "no response", or "complete silence" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "not a peep" in formal writing?

While "not a peep" is a common idiom, it is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives such as "silence" or "no communication".