silence ensued

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "silence ensued" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to suggest that a period of silence followed the previous statement. For example, "He asked an awkward question, and silence ensued."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Silence ensued.

The New York Times

A silence ensued.

The New York Times

A tense silence ensued.

The Guardian

An awkward silence ensued.

The New Yorker

A prolonged silence ensued at the end of the line.

The New Yorker

The lady was beyond speech, and a long silence ensued.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

In one of the play's refreshing surprises, of which there are not enough, a deafening silence ensues, at least until two years later, when Andy is enrolled at Harvard.

The New York Times

Many of the partygoers are, like Scott and Maureen, mixed-race couples, but when one among them drunkenly voices his grievances about Mexicans in Los Angeles, an awkward silence ensues: "They avoided discussing race, as if the mere mention of the subject might cause their fragile alliances to come apart.

The New York Times - Books

Silence ensues: they are staring at their phones, engrossed in WeChat, perhaps even messaging the person next to them.

Forbes

A religious experience in a way, like all tourism". A silence ensues between the two characters as they listen to the clicking of shutter release buttons and the rustling of crank levers that advance the film.

Forbes

If you sit down for a job interview and an awkward silence ensues, consider saying something like, "It's great to be here, thank you so much for spending time with me," he says.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "silence ensued" to create a sense of drama or anticipation in your writing. It effectively marks a shift in atmosphere or a reaction to a previous event.

Common error

Avoid using "silence ensued" in very casual or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "it went quiet" or "then it was silent" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

"Silence ensued" functions as a clause or phrase indicating a direct consequence of a prior action or statement. It emphasizes the resulting quietness and is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis of its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "silence ensued" is a grammatically sound construction used to depict a period of quiet that follows an action or statement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and functional in written English. While not extremely common, it appears in news articles, literature, and formal documents, indicating a neutral to formal register. Alternative phrases such as "quiet followed" or "a hush fell" can be used depending on the desired nuance and context. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources. When using "silence ensued", consider the formality of your writing and ensure it fits the overall tone; in more casual settings, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

silence followed

A more direct and simple way of stating the sequence of events.

quiet followed

Focuses on the direct sequence of quiet after an event.

the room fell silent

Specifies the location where the silence occurred.

a hush fell

Implies a sudden and widespread silence, often with a sense of anticipation or unease.

conversation stopped

Emphasizes that talking ended, resulting in silence.

a lull occurred

Suggests a temporary pause or break in activity or noise.

a stillness prevailed

Emphasizes the pervasive nature of the silence.

speech ceased

Highlights the cessation of talking, leading to silence.

sounds died down

Indicates a gradual decrease in noise leading to silence.

all went quiet

An informal way of saying that silence descended.

FAQs

How can I use "silence ensued" in a sentence?

Use "silence ensued" to describe a situation where a period of quiet follows a statement or event. For example, "He made a controversial remark, and "silence ensued"."

What does "silence ensued" mean?

"Silence ensued" means that a period of silence followed something. It is often used to indicate a reaction or consequence of a previous action or statement.

What can I say instead of "silence ensued"?

You can use alternatives like "quiet followed", "a hush fell", or "silence followed" depending on the context.

Is "silence ensued" formal or informal?

"Silence ensued" is generally considered to be a more formal expression. In informal contexts, phrases like "it went quiet" or "then it was silent" might be more suitable.