remained silent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remained silent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person who chooses not to speak in response to a question or situation. For example, "When asked to comment on the incident, the prime minister remained silent".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Again, Singh remained silent.

The New York Times

He remained silent.

The New Yorker

remained silent, however.

The New York Times - Sports

The F.I.A. remained silent.

The New York Times

His mother remained silent.

The New Yorker

The mansion remained silent.

The New Yorker

Shocked, Andrushko remained silent.

The New Yorker

She remained silent.

The New Yorker

Most have remained silent.

The New York Times

Most remained silent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Others have remained silent.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remained silent" when you want to emphasize a deliberate choice not to speak, often in situations where a response might be expected.

Common error

Avoid using "remained silent" excessively in descriptive writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "said nothing" or describing non-verbal cues to make your writing more engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remained silent" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of not speaking or responding. Ludwig AI's analysis shows it is commonly used to describe a deliberate choice not to verbalize in various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remained silent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that denotes a deliberate choice not to speak or respond. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts, but its neutrality makes it suitable for various communication settings. While alternatives exist, "remained silent" specifically highlights the conscious decision to withhold verbal communication. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended purpose of conveying deliberation or strategic non-response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kept silent

Similar to the original but uses a slightly different verb.

said nothing

A simple and direct way to state the absence of speech.

did not speak

A straightforward declaration of not uttering words.

stayed quiet

Emphasizes the state of being without sound or utterance.

made no reply

Concentrates on the absence of a response.

gave no answer

Focuses on the failure to provide a verbal answer.

offered no comment

Indicates a refusal to provide an official statement.

refrained from speaking

Highlights the deliberate act of avoiding speech.

kept mum

Focuses on deliberately withholding information or a response.

held one's tongue

Highlights the conscious effort to refrain from speaking.

FAQs

How can I use "remained silent" in a sentence?

You can use "remained silent" to describe someone's lack of response in a situation, such as "Despite repeated questioning, the suspect "remained silent"".

What can I say instead of "remained silent"?

Alternatives to "remained silent" include "said nothing", "offered no comment", or "stayed quiet", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "remained silent" or "stayed silent"?

"Remained silent" and "stayed silent" are largely interchangeable, but "remained silent" can imply a more conscious or deliberate choice not to speak.

What does it mean when someone "remained silent"?

When someone "remained silent", it usually means they chose not to speak or respond, possibly indicating disagreement, contemplation, or a strategic decision not to disclose information.