ominous silence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ominous silence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a heavy, foreboding quietness that suggests something negative or threatening may happen. Example: "As the storm approached, an ominous silence fell over the village, leaving everyone on edge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

An ominous silence fell over the Garden.

The New Yorker

He described the response of the military government as "ominous silence".

The New York Times

At night the racket of construction abates as the workers and the families depart, and an ominous silence descends.

The New York Times

Ominous silence surrounds the fate of Lucy's predecessor, Mr Broom, and outside lurks something known as the Very Big Hole.

The Guardian - Books

And during that half-decade of ominous silence many fans have been left wondering just what had become of that distinctive quiff and falsetto.

The Guardian - Music

At 9 p.m. precisely, with the city's streets almost deserted and an ominous silence reaching to the horizon, the attack began.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Such pastiche is atypical; more often, Szymański distorts his historical echoes within a modern frame, as fixed pitches melt away into glissando textures or ominous silences intrude.

The New Yorker

Mr. Thomas (of the "American Pie" films) does wonders with Rock's ominous silences, contrasted by Mr. Rigby's Colonel Blimp-ish bluster.

The New York Times

Former editors at The News of the World, new defunct, and The Sun say he called frequently, affecting casualness but conveying just the opposite with pointed questions and long, ominous silences.

The New York Times

It wasn't screams you heard so much anymore in the great works of theater, as the ominous silences and anxious giggles bordering on sobs of Beckett and Pinter.

The New York Times

The ominous sign "Silence" that hung there is gone.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ominous silence" to create suspense or foreshadow negative events in your writing. It's effective in setting a mood of unease.

Common error

Avoid attributing "ominous silence" to situations where silence is merely coincidental or expected. Ensure the context suggests a potential threat or negative implication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ominous silence" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "ominous" modifies the noun "silence". Ludwig examples illustrate how it is used to describe a palpable absence of sound that suggests impending danger or negativity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ominous silence" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to evoke feelings of unease and anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively signals potential threats or negative developments. While alternatives like "foreboding silence" and "threatening silence" exist, "ominous silence" provides a distinct and readily understood means of creating suspense and foreshadowing negative events in writing. Use it judiciously to enhance the atmosphere and emotional impact of your narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foreboding silence

Emphasizes the feeling that something bad is going to happen, similar to "ominous silence".

threatening silence

Focuses on the potential harm or danger implied by the silence.

heavy silence

Indicates a silence filled with unspoken tension or significance.

pregnant silence

Suggests a silence that is full of meaning or anticipation, often implying something important is about to be said or happen.

unsettling quiet

Highlights the disquieting nature of the stillness.

eerie quiet

Emphasizes the strange and possibly supernatural quality of the silence.

brooding stillness

Conveys a sense of quiet anticipation of something negative or unpleasant.

unnatural calm

Suggests a deceptive peace before a disturbance or crisis.

deathly hush

Implies a silence associated with death or extreme seriousness.

oppressive quiet

Highlights the heavy and burdensome feeling created by the silence.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "ominous silence" in a sentence?

Employ "ominous silence" to build suspense or signal impending trouble. For example, "An "ominous silence" descended as the protagonist entered the abandoned house."

What are some alternatives to "ominous silence"?

Consider using phrases like "foreboding silence", "threatening silence", or "heavy silence" to convey similar meanings.

Is it grammatically correct to say "an ominous silence"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Ominous" is an adjective modifying the noun "silence", and the article 'an' is appropriate because 'ominous' begins with a vowel sound.

What feeling does "ominous silence" typically evoke?

It usually evokes a feeling of unease, apprehension, or a sense that something bad is about to happen. It's often used to create a tense or suspenseful atmosphere.