stand in silence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stand in silence" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it to describe a moment in which people are standing together in a solemn or reverential way. For example: "They stood in silence for a few moments, honoring the memory of the fallen soldier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

We stand in silence.

The Guardian

They stand in silence, surrounded by animals.

The Guardian - Film

The visitors stand in silence and awe.

The Guardian

Then everybody would stand in silence looking toward Manhattan.

The New Yorker

Over the course of the day, millions paused to pray, sing or simply stand in silence.

The New York Times

"It is not enough to stand in silence in memory of Hariri..

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

The men stood in silence.

The New York Times - Magazine

The President stood in silence.

Independent

I just stood in silence.

The New Yorker

They stood in silence for a minute.

The New Yorker

Then she stood in silence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a group, be mindful of the context. "Stand in silence" can convey respect, contemplation, or even protest, depending on the surrounding narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "stand in silence" to describe a person simply being quiet alone. The phrase typically implies a collective or observed silence, not individual quietude. Instead, opt for phrases like "was quiet" or "remained silent" when describing an individual's solitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand in silence" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, often acting as a clause element within a sentence. It describes an action performed by a subject, indicating a state of being both physically present and quiet. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stand in silence" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, predominantly found in news and media contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It typically describes a group of people being physically present and quiet, often to convey respect, remembrance, or protest. While generally neutral in tone, it leans toward formal, making it suitable for serious contexts. Alternatives like "remain silent" or "observe silence" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use this phrase when the physical presence and the act of being quiet are both significant to the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stand mute

Emphasizes the inability or unwillingness to speak while standing.

remain silent

Focuses on the act of not speaking, omitting the physical stance.

observe silence

Highlights the act of adhering to or respecting silence.

maintain silence

Emphasizes the continuation of a state of quiet.

keep silent

Implies a deliberate choice to not utter a word.

fall silent

Describes the action of becoming quiet suddenly.

pause in silence

Highlights a temporary cessation of activity accompanied by quiet.

be quiet

A simpler, more general expression for refraining from speech.

hold one's tongue

Idiomatic expression indicating a conscious decision to not speak.

say nothing

Directly states the absence of verbal communication.

FAQs

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

You can use "stand in silence" to describe a group of people who are quietly present, often to show respect or protest. For example: "The crowd "stood in silence" during the memorial service."

What are some alternatives to "stand in silence"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "remain silent", "observe silence", or "keep silent".

Is it more appropriate to say "standing in silence" or "stand in silence"?

"Stand in silence" is generally used as a descriptive phrase, while "standing in silence" is a continuous form. The best choice depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence. For example: "They "stand in silence" every year on Remembrance Day." versus "They were "standing in silence" when the news broke."

What does it mean to "stand in silence" during a protest?

To "stand in silence" during a protest is to make a statement through quiet presence, often to show solidarity or grief. This action conveys a message without the use of words, allowing the physical presence to emphasize the gravity of the situation.