not utter a word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not utter a word" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone remains silent or chooses not to speak. Example: "Despite the chaos around him, he chose to not utter a word, preferring to observe quietly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Harold did not utter a word.

The New York Times

His wife could not utter a word.

The New York Times

The manager did not utter a word.

The New York Times - Sports

Arab leaders did not utter a word of condemnation.

The Economist

Dorothy would stare and not utter a word.

The New York Times

President Barack Obama did not utter a word of condemnation.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

But as The Economist went to press, he had not uttered a word about Baga.

The Economist

Lhota was strangely mute — not uttering a word for the first 31 minutes.

The New York Times - Magazine

He is staring straight ahead and, like the other members, has not uttered a word since the proceedings began.

The New York Times

When patients leave their rooms to use the restroom, they shuffle guardedly past one another in their bloodstained smocks, sometimes pushing creaky IV stands, not uttering a word.

The New York Times

Though Modi loves to hold forth on social and cultural issues, he has not uttered a word yet on the PK drama.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not utter a word" to emphasize a deliberate choice to remain silent, especially in situations where speech might be expected.

Common error

While "not utter a word" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in very formal or academic writing. More neutral phrases like "did not mention" or "remained silent" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not utter a word" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a complete lack of verbal communication. It emphasizes the silence or unwillingness to speak, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not utter a word" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's silence, particularly when speech is expected or implied. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It frequently appears in news and media contexts, and its usage extends to formal and business settings. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to consider the specific tone and formality of the writing. If a more neutral or understated tone is preferred, alternatives like "remained silent" or "said nothing" might be more suitable. By understanding the nuances of "not utter a word" and its related phrases, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning and choose the most appropriate expression for their specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

say nothing

A more direct and simple way of expressing the same idea, without the figurative element of 'utter'.

remain silent

Emphasizes the state of being quiet, omitting the aspect of refusing to speak.

refrain from speaking

A more formal and deliberate way of saying 'not speak'.

hold one's tongue

Suggests a deliberate effort to refrain from speaking, often to avoid causing offense or trouble.

keep mum

An informal, idiomatic expression implying secrecy or discretion in remaining silent.

clam up

An informal term suggesting sudden silence, often due to shyness or fear.

not breathe a word

Emphasizes the complete absence of communication, especially about a secret.

decline to comment

A formal way of refusing to speak, often used in journalistic or official contexts.

offer no response

Highlights the lack of reaction or reply, rather than the act of speaking itself.

fall silent

Describes the action of becoming quiet, but does not necessarily imply a prior intention to speak.

FAQs

How can I use "not utter a word" in a sentence?

You can use "not utter a word" to describe someone's silence in a situation where they might be expected to speak. For example, "Despite the accusations, he chose to "not utter a word"."

What's a more formal alternative to "not utter a word"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "remained silent" or "did not mention", which convey a similar meaning without being overly idiomatic.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "not utter a word"?

While grammatically sound, "not utter a word" might sound slightly dramatic in certain contexts. Choose a more neutral alternative like "said nothing" if a more understated tone is desired.

What's the difference between "not utter a word" and "keep mum"?

"Not utter a word" generally implies a simple lack of speech, while "keep mum" suggests secrecy or deliberately withholding information.