remains silent

USAGE SUMMARY

"remains silent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's behavior when they don't say anything in response to something said to them or in a situation. For example, "When asked to comment on the rumors, John simply remains silent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Bertie remains silent.

The New York Times

The telephone remains silent.

The New York Times

"The world remains silent.

The New York Times

She remains silent.

The Guardian - Tech

His voice remains silent.

The New York Times - Sports

Heath remains silent.

The Guardian

The paramedic remains silent.

The New York Times - Arts

But the tape remains silent.

The New York Times

Except Campbell, who remains silent.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

No 10 remains silent on the subject.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Washington remains silent no denial of these reports, in other words.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when choosing "remains silent"; it can sometimes convey disapproval or passive resistance more strongly than other phrases.

Common error

Avoid using "remains silent" when the subject is simply incapable of speech (e.g., due to a medical condition). The phrase implies a conscious decision, not an inability to communicate.

Linguistic Context

"Remains silent" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present tense verb followed by an adjective, indicating a state of being. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and describes a subject's conscious decision not to speak. The phrase highlights the act of deliberately withholding a verbal response.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

28%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remains silent" is a versatile expression used to describe the act of deliberately not speaking, especially in situations where a response might be expected. As Ludwig AI validates, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. The phrase is commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using "remains silent", consider the implications of withholding speech, as it can suggest disagreement, strategic silence, or an unwillingness to engage. Alternatives like "stays quiet" or "offers no comment" can provide similar meanings but with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stays quiet

Focuses on the act of maintaining quietness.

doesn't say a word

Similar to uttering not a word, emphasizing the absence of spoken language.

declines to speak

Indicates a refusal to engage in conversation.

offers no comment

Emphasizes a deliberate choice not to provide information.

utters not a word

Highlights the complete absence of speech.

refrains from speaking

Highlights the conscious effort to avoid speaking.

keeps mum

A more informal way of saying someone is deliberately not speaking.

observes silence

Suggests a deliberate or respectful choice to be silent.

gives no response

Broader than silence, encompassing non-verbal communication as well.

is unresponsive

Suggests a general lack of reaction, not just verbal.

FAQs

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

You can use "remains silent" to describe someone who does not speak, especially when a response might be expected. For instance, "When questioned about the allegations, the CEO "remains silent"."

What are some alternatives to "remains silent"?

Alternatives include phrases like "stays quiet", "offers no comment", or "declines to speak", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "remain silent" instead of "remains silent"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "remain silent" for plural subjects (e.g., "They remain silent") and "remains silent" for singular subjects (e.g., "He remains silent").

What does it imply when someone "remains silent"?

When someone ""remains silent"", it often suggests a deliberate withholding of information, disagreement, or an unwillingness to engage in a conversation. The implication depends heavily on the context.