silence

USAGE SUMMARY

"silence" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use "silence" to refer to a state or period in which there is no sound or noise, or a lack of activity or comment. For example: "The silence in the room was palpable as everyone waited anxiously for the verdict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Total silence.

The New York Times

In the same way, silence about male victims reinforces unhealthy expectations about men and their supposed invulnerability.

The New York Times

Sadly, cricketing suicides are not rare, as David Frith's book Silence of the Heart makes plain.

The Guardian - Sport

That is, if the silence of trying to fall asleep the old fashioned way proves deafening.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"No one knows, but I do think it's safe to say that it's likely that it's been a part of many wars throughout history and that taboo has played a part in the silence".

The Guardian

"I fear he will say: 'Now, my brother is not a man.'" It is for this reason that both perpetrator and victim enter a conspiracy of silence and why male survivors often find, once their story is discovered, that they lose the support and comfort of those around them.

The Guardian

It was clear from their stories that it was usually women themselves hiding menstruation behind silence and shame.

The Guardian - Opinion

He often used to sit in silence just looking at me or mum, smiling, content to be with his family, at home and being looked after.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Since all it takes for evil to prevail is one good seven-year-old to do nothing, I continued to crack the case wide open: "And what about the tooth fairy?" I got up to tell my sister, but was waylaid by an adult offering me chocolate cake in exchange for my silence.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Juncker told the Guardian there had been no contact with the UK government on the matter, a silence that has continued in recent weeks.

The Guardian

Coming on the back of the detention of David Miranda, it seems that the UK government is using, and quite likely misusing, laws to intimidate journalists and silence its critics.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "silence" to create emphasis or to denote a significant pause in dialogue or narration. For instance, "The announcement was met with stunned silence", which is more impactful than simply stating there was no noise.

Common error

Avoid using "silence" as an adjective. "Silence" is a noun, while "silent" is the adjective. Instead of "the silence night", use "the silent night".

Linguistic Context

The word "silence" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the absence of sound or noise. It can also be used as a verb, meaning to make someone or something silent. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correctly and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "silence" is a versatile term that functions mainly as a noun to describe the absence of sound. It’s also a verb, signifying the act of making something quiet. As confirmed by Ludwig AI and supported by numerous examples, its usage is grammatically correct and highly prevalent, particularly in news and media. While it carries a neutral register, context heavily influences its intended meaning, ranging from peaceful quiet to ominous stillness. Remember to use "silent" as the adjective and avoid confusing it with the noun form. By mastering these nuances, you'll use "silence" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of sound

Emphasizes the absence of auditory stimuli.

absence of noise

Highlights the non-existence of disruptive or unwanted sounds.

quietude

Suggests a peaceful and calm atmosphere.

stillness

Focuses on the lack of movement or activity, often implying silence.

hush

Implies a sudden cessation of noise or speaking.

speechlessness

Refers to the inability or unwillingness to speak.

muteness

Indicates a complete and often permanent lack of speech.

reticence

Suggests a disinclination to speak freely or openly.

taciturnity

Describes a habitual silence or reserve in speech.

unspoken

Indicates something that is understood or implied without being explicitly stated.

FAQs

How can I use "silence" in a sentence?

You can use "silence" as a noun to describe the absence of sound, for example, "The silence was deafening". It can also be used as a verb meaning to make someone quiet, such as "The moderator tried to silence the hecklers".

What words are similar to "silence"?

Synonyms for "silence" include "quiet", "stillness", "hush", and "muteness". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a silence"?

Yes, you can use "a silence" to refer to a specific instance or period of silence. For example, "There was a long silence before she answered".

What does it mean when someone breaks the "silence"?

To break the "silence" means to be the first to speak or make noise after a period of quiet. It implies ending a period of inactivity or unspoken tension.