remaining silent about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remaining silent about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of not expressing thoughts or opinions on a particular subject or issue. Example: "Despite the controversy surrounding the decision, she chose to remain silent about her true feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Maza says the state has a long history of remaining silent about Aboriginal issues.

The Guardian

Likewise, he recommends remaining silent about indiscretions that neighbors commit -- unless they solicit an opinion.

The New York Times

For now, most county leaders are remaining silent about their intentions.

The New York Times

But that's no excuse for remaining silent about this growing problem, or failing to champion reform.

The New York Times

A spokesman for the BNP accused the signatories of the letter of remaining silent about the scandal over MPs' expenses.

The Guardian

He said he had changed his mind about remaining silent about his detention despite risking having his books and pen taken from him.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Clinton remained silent about both.

The New Yorker

All have remained silent about their ambitions.

The New York Times

But they remain silent about the Moon.

The New York Times

Real's president has remained silent about Pepe.

The New York Times - Sports

Many other airlines remain silent about the risks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remaining silent about" to indicate a deliberate choice to withhold information or opinions on a specific topic. It often suggests a strategic or cautious approach.

Common error

While acceptable in most situations, "remaining silent about" can sometimes sound overly passive in formal writing. Consider stronger alternatives like "refrained from commenting" or "declined to address" for a more assertive tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remaining silent about" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of deliberately not expressing an opinion or providing information on a particular subject. As shown by Ludwig, this construction is commonly used in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "remaining silent about" is a common phrase used to describe the act of intentionally not commenting on or providing information about a specific subject. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "keeping mum regarding" or "declining to discuss" may offer subtle differences in meaning, "remaining silent about" serves as a versatile and widely understood expression. When using it in writing, be mindful of the tone and choose stronger alternatives in overly formal contexts for a more assertive tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keeping mum regarding

Emphasizes discretion and secrecy.

not speaking out on

Highlights the act of refraining from public commentary.

refraining from commenting on

Focuses on a deliberate choice to avoid making remarks.

staying quiet concerning

Stresses the maintenance of silence with respect to a topic.

declining to discuss

Highlights a formal refusal to engage in conversation.

holding one's tongue about

Implies a conscious effort to suppress speech.

abstaining from addressing

Focuses on formally avoiding a topic.

not addressing the issue of

Specifically avoids discussing a particular problem or subject.

evading discussion of

Highlights the act of skillfully avoiding a topic of conversation.

omitting to mention

Focuses on failing to include something in a statement or discussion.

FAQs

What does "remaining silent about" mean?

The phrase "remaining silent about" means choosing not to express your thoughts, opinions, or information on a particular subject or issue. It often implies a conscious decision to withhold comment.

What can I say instead of "remaining silent about"?

You can use alternatives like "keeping mum regarding", "not speaking out on", or "refraining from commenting on" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "remain silent about" something or to speak up?

Whether it's better to "remain silent about" something or speak up depends on the context. Sometimes silence is strategic or necessary, while other times speaking up is crucial for ethical or practical reasons.

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

You can use "remaining silent about" to describe someone's choice not to comment on a particular issue, such as: "The politician chose "remaining silent about" the allegations."