quiet sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quiet sentence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sentence that conveys a calm or subdued tone, or perhaps one that is not loud or attention-grabbing. Example: "The author used a quiet sentence to reflect the character's introspective mood, allowing readers to feel the weight of their thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It is a quiet style," writes translator Andrew Hurley, "whose effects are achieved not with bombast or pomp, but rather with a single exploding word or phrase, dropped almost as though offhandedly into a quiet sentence".

The Guardian - Books

The official six-volume history of Château Latour contains an impressively quiet sentence about the German conquest and its consequences: "This sudden liveliness in the market for Grands Vins was not surprising if one takes into consideration the new conditions arising from the occupation of the Gironde and the northern half of France".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Wenderaki began to walk, eat, and speak in short, quiet sentences.

The New York Times

Pose a direct question about him or his work, and at first he offers short, quiet sentences.

The New York Times - Books

Her quiet sentences usually dart and soar like a kite, swooping and diving and pulling up sharply, circling back on themselves in barely tethered flight, but now she struggled to find the words.

The New York Times - Sports

We presented participants with a speech recognition task using sentences in quiet, sentences in noise, and vocoded sentences.

Neuropsychologia

When Jon calls her his Queen, she says, "I hope I deserve it"—and while it's certainly a moment of forced vulnerability so that we're excited to see them have sex, it feels antithetical to her character, who would more typically pledge a better future or a dark promise in reply to such a profound statement of loyalty; it is almost a quiet, one sentence dismissal of her own legitimacy.

Vice

Unfortunately MPW is an enabler in that respect: he talks in quiet, deliberate sentences packed with dramatic pauses, making his recipe suggestions sound like a bedtime story read out by Hannibal Lecter.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His script is watertight, delivered in quiet sometimes punctuated sentences.

The Guardian - Tech

They have been doing so in such quiet that the previous sentence may seem startling.

The New York Times

Arshack told HuffPost he had attempted to travel to Saudi Arabia earlier this year to consult with al Khair's family and attempt to reduce his sentence "through quiet diplomatic negotiation".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quiet sentence" to describe passages that intentionally lack strong emotional expression or dramatic flair, allowing for a more subtle impact on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "quiet sentence" to describe writing that is simply weak or unclear. The phrase implies intentional restraint, not a lack of skill or effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quiet sentence" functions primarily as a descriptive term, characterizing a sentence based on its stylistic qualities. It highlights the lack of overt emotionality or flamboyance in the sentence's construction. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard English construction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quiet sentence" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, functioning as an adjective-noun combination to describe a sentence's understated or subtle nature. While Ludwig AI identifies it as correct, its usage is somewhat uncommon, appearing mainly in news, media, and scientific contexts. The phrase is valuable for analytical writing, helping to define a specific stylistic choice in writing. To avoid misuse, remember that a "quiet sentence" should reflect intentional restraint, not simply a lack of clarity or impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subdued statement

Emphasizes the understated nature of the communication.

calm expression

Highlights the peaceful or tranquil quality of the sentence.

understated remark

Focuses on the lack of emphasis in the statement.

gentle phrase

Suggests a mild and non-forceful wording.

low-key sentence

Implies a subtle and relaxed approach in the sentence's construction and tone.

muted comment

Highlights the restrained or softened tone of the sentence.

soft-spoken sentence

Evokes a sentence that is mild and unobtrusive.

reserved statement

Indicates a cautious or restrained manner of expression.

taciturn sentence

Implies a brief and to-the-point sentence.

unassuming utterance

Suggests the sentence is humble and not pretentious.

FAQs

How can I effectively use the phrase "quiet sentence" in my writing?

Use "quiet sentence" to describe a sentence or phrase that is understated, subtle, or intentionally lacking in dramatic flair. It's effective when you want to draw attention to a sentence's impact through its restraint.

What are some alternative ways to describe a sentence that isn't loud or attention-grabbing?

Alternatives include "subdued statement", "calm expression", or "understated remark". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to describe a sentence as "quiet"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Quiet" is used as an adjective to describe the tone or style of the sentence, indicating its lack of intensity or loudness.

Can "quiet sentence" be used in formal writing, or is it more appropriate for informal contexts?

The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal writing, depending on the context and desired tone. In formal writing, it can highlight a deliberate understatement. The key is to ensure it aligns with the overall style and purpose of the piece.