remain impassive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remain impassive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being emotionally unaffected or indifferent in a situation. Example: "Despite the chaos around her, she managed to remain impassive, showing no signs of distress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I'm not Zen enough to always remain impassive when provoked.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein said he had not heard the remark, but warned Mr. Seabrook to remain impassive throughout the trial, regardless of how he felt.

The New York Times

Jazz, especially in New York, is a music of cool tact: the code of conduct among musicians and audiences is to remain impassive even when faced with ecstatic surprises.

The New York Times - Arts

But it's hard to remain impassive when you're sitting within the reality-distortion field that surrounds Apple's evangelical C.E.O. when he's obsessing about the dazzling, never-seen-anything-like-it, ultra-top-secret computer perched before him.

The New York Times

Mr. Hassinger has been asked questions like "Is that a rat there on the end of that leash?" and "Is it an ocelot?" But for the most part, the pair remain impassive.

The New York Times

In consequence, Gans learnt to remain impassive in the face of the most egregious provocations: even, for instance, when one opponent called him "133 pounds of black meat" and when another spat in his face as they squared up in the centre of the ring.Like other black boxers, Gans was exploited by the low-life types that inhabited professional boxing.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The Pirahã remained impassive.

The New Yorker

Manafort remained impassive.

The Guardian

The conscience remained impassive.

The Guardian

Her younger brother, Elwen, remained impassive.

The Guardian

Bolt continued jigging; Powell remained impassive.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remain impassive" to describe a deliberate or natural lack of emotional expression in situations that might typically provoke a reaction. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing control or detachment.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "remain impassive" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "stay calm" or "not react" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain impassive" functions as a verb phrase, where "remain" is a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "impassive". This describes a state of being, indicating a lack of emotional expression or visible reaction. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is perfectly usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remain impassive" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verb phrase used to depict a state of emotional neutrality or lack of visible reaction. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of detachment or emotional control. While suitable for neutral and descriptive writing, it's crucial to consider more accessible options like "stay calm" or "not react" in informal settings. Alternatives like "remain unmoved" or "stay stoic" can offer nuanced variations depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain unmoved

Suggests a lack of emotional or physical response to something that might typically provoke a reaction.

show no emotion

Directly indicates an absence of emotional display.

remain expressionless

Highlights the absence of facial expressions that might reveal emotions.

stay stoic

Emphasizes a deliberate effort to endure hardship without showing feelings.

maintain composure

Highlights the act of keeping oneself calm and in control.

keep a poker face

Focuses on concealing emotions, especially in situations like negotiations or games.

keep one's cool

Highlights maintaining a calm demeanor, particularly in stressful situations.

hold back emotions

Focuses on the act of suppressing feelings.

not react

Emphasizes the lack of response to a stimulus or event.

stifle a reaction

Implies an active effort to suppress an emotional or physical response.

FAQs

How can I use "remain impassive" in a sentence?

You can use "remain impassive" to describe someone who shows no emotional reaction, for example: "Despite the chaos, she managed to "remain impassive"."

What does it mean to "remain impassive"?

To "remain impassive" means to show no emotional reaction or expression, often in a situation where one might expect a response.

What are some alternatives to saying "remain impassive"?

Some alternatives to "remain impassive" include "remain unmoved", "stay stoic", or "keep a poker face" depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "remain impassive"?

The phrase "remain impassive" is appropriate in formal contexts such as news reporting, legal proceedings, or when describing someone's deliberate effort to conceal their emotions. In informal contexts, less formal phrases may be more suitable.