silent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "silent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being quiet or not making noise, often in various contexts such as literature, conversation, or descriptions of environments. Example: "The room was silent as everyone awaited the announcement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Film

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

It was followed by a moment of solidarity with the 400-strong audience taping their mouths as a form of silent protest.

The Guardian

He also said the corporate world had been "silent" on the issue of family violence and needed to take a stronger stance.

The Guardian

In many ways brain injury is a silent epidemic; its effects are not always visible and cannot be communicated easily.

The Guardian

And then, in the mid-1980s, there began a silent drift away from the family.

The Guardian

Instead I booked myself on a 10-day silent meditation retreat run by a Burmese monk in Thailand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Jack Lieb captured the invasion on silent film for News of the Day and later narrated over the film for the archives.

The Guardian

But then he remained silent in the Commons as deputy chief whip (1953-55) and chief whip (1955-59), bemergingerging as labour minister.

The Guardian

Corruption went unchecked and the king remained silent over the Al-Yamamah arms deal, exposed in 2003 by the Guardian as a scandal implicating the British military contractor BAE Systems and Prince Sultan, Saudi minister of defence and also the crown prince.

The Guardian

Last week, Nigeria's president, Goodluck Jonathan, expressed his condolences for the victims of France but stayed silent on the Boko Haram attacks on Baga.

The Guardian

Prayers, led by a man with a pair of cymbals, started as slow chanting then accelerated and intensified as the sound of the cymbals rose from a tinkle to a crash before falling silent again.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "silent" to describe a state of being free from sound or noise, or to describe someone who is not speaking. For example, "The library was silent" or "He remained silent during the meeting".

Common error

Avoid using "silent" when you need the noun form, which is "silence". "Silent" is an adjective, while "silence" refers to the state of being quiet. Incorrect: "The silent was deafening." Correct: "The silence was deafening".

Linguistic Context

The word "silent" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of being without sound or speech. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and widely usable. Examples include "silent meditation", "silent protest", and "silent film".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

15%

Film

10%

Less common in

Politics

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "silent" is a versatile adjective used to describe the absence of sound or speech. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "quiet" and "mute" exist, "silent" often implies a complete lack of sound or a deliberate choice not to speak. Remember to use "silence" as a noun when referring to the state of being quiet. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "silent" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quiet

A general term for the absence of noise.

mute

Implies an inability or unwillingness to speak.

speechless

Suggests a temporary inability to speak due to shock or surprise.

taciturn

Describes someone who is habitually reserved and uncommunicative.

hushed

Suggests a soft, subdued level of noise.

noiseless

Indicates a complete lack of sound.

soundless

Similar to noiseless, emphasizing the absence of sound.

unspoken

Refers to something not expressed verbally.

reticent

Describes someone who is reluctant to speak freely.

mum

Informal term for keeping something secret or not speaking.

FAQs

How can I use "silent" in a sentence?

You can use "silent" as an adjective to describe something that makes no sound, such as "a "silent film"". It can also describe someone who isn't speaking, as in "He remained "silent during the meeting"".

What's the difference between "silent" and "quiet"?

"Silent" implies a complete absence of sound, whereas "quiet" suggests a low level of noise. A library might be described as "silent", while a home might be described as "quiet".

Which is correct, "silent" or "silence"?

"Silent" is an adjective, while "silence" is a noun. You would say "the room was silent" (adjective) but "there was a profound silence" (noun).

What are some alternatives to the word "silent"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "quiet", "mute", "speechless", or "hushed".