remained silent about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remained silent about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or issue that someone has chosen not to speak or comment on. Example: "Despite the ongoing controversy, the politician remained silent about the allegations against him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Clinton remained silent about both.

The New Yorker

Real's president has remained silent about Pepe.

The New York Times - Sports

All have remained silent about their ambitions.

The New York Times

Until recently, the North Korean media remained silent about defection.

The Guardian

But the yoga community long remained silent about its potential to inflict blinding pain.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Chávez's government has remained silent about the existence of a Cuban dossier.

The New York Times

But one group of professional chatterers has remained silent about Nuance's stumble.

The New York Times

So far, Taliban leaders have remained silent about whether they intend to disrupt the election.

The New York Times

Palestinian human rights groups in the West Bank have so far remained silent about Mr. Hasayin's arrest.

The New York Times

Yet not only has Brazil remained silent about such conduct, it has encouraged Venezuela to join Mercosur.

The Economist

Beyond a written statement, he has remained silent about the unfolding crisis since President Mohamed Morsi's ouster last week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remained silent about" to emphasize a deliberate choice not to speak on a subject, especially in situations where commentary might be expected. For example, "The CEO remained silent about the company's declining profits, fueling speculation among investors."

Common error

Avoid using "remained silent about" when the context implies an inability to speak, rather than a choice. For instance, instead of saying "The victim remained silent about the assault due to trauma", consider "The victim was unable to speak about the assault due to trauma".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remained silent about" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate withholding of information or a lack of commentary on a particular topic. It suggests a conscious choice not to speak. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remained silent about" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the act of deliberately not speaking or commenting on something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its prevalence in news and media highlights its role in objective reporting. While versatile, it's important to ensure the context appropriately reflects a conscious choice to remain silent, rather than an inability to speak. Alternatives like "refrained from commenting on" or "declined to discuss" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to consider the appropriate register and context for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offered no comment on

This phrase is typically used in journalistic contexts when someone refuses to give a statement to the press.

refrained from commenting on

This is a more formal alternative, suggesting a conscious decision not to make an official statement.

stayed quiet regarding

This alternative suggests a deliberate choice to avoid speaking about a matter.

declined to discuss

This alternative indicates a refusal to engage in conversation about a specific subject.

kept mum about

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes secrecy or unwillingness to disclose information.

did not disclose information about

This alternative focuses on the absence of revealing facts or details.

held their tongue about

This is a more idiomatic expression implying a conscious effort to suppress speech.

omitted to mention

This suggests a deliberate or unintentional failure to bring something up.

gave no indication concerning

This alternative points to the absence of any signals or suggestions about a particular matter.

kept under wraps

This idiom suggests that something was kept secret, a meaning related to remaining silent.

FAQs

What does "remained silent about" mean?

The phrase "remained silent about" means to deliberately not speak or comment on a particular topic or issue. It implies a conscious choice to withhold information or opinions.

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

You can use "remained silent about" to describe someone's lack of communication on a specific subject. For example, "The government "remained silent about" the new policy" or "She "remained silent about" her past."

What are some alternatives to "remained silent about"?

Some alternatives to "remained silent about" include "refrained from commenting on", "declined to discuss", or "offered no comment on". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "remained silent on" or "remained silent about"?

Both "remained silent on" and "remained silent about" are grammatically correct, but "remained silent about" is generally preferred when referring to a specific subject or issue. "Remained silent on" is more general. For example, "He "remained silent about" the scandal" sounds more natural than "He remained silent on the scandal."