stay mostly quiet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stay mostly quiet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being where someone or something is generally silent or not making much noise, but not completely so. Example: "During the meeting, I decided to stay mostly quiet, allowing others to share their thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whatever his reasons for staying mostly quiet, he wasn't sharing them.

The New York Times

Cephalon stayed mostly quiet after rejecting a $73-a-share 73-a-share 73-a-sharearmaceuticals, offerto later announce that it had sold itselfrom TeValeantmaceuticals for $81.50 a share.

The New York Times

While touring the field, Swift stayed mostly quiet, instead listening to his employees detail how well the work to develop oil and gas wells was going.

The Washington Post

Last summer, that meant she deferred to Rogers when it came to selecting the order of the American shooters, and she also stayed mostly quiet when it came to the coaches' last words of instruction before the shootout.

The New York Times - Sports

Iran has stayed mostly quiet since the start of what Saudi Arabia has grandiosely named Operation Storm of Resolve, but Tehran — which denies supporting the Houthis — let the mask slip a little during a speech last month by President Hassan Rouhani.

The Washington Post

That's in part why Vexata stayed mostly quiet for the past several years, but now wants the recognition that comes with a public launch.

Forbes

While 50's reps are staying mostly quiet beyond their public statement, it seems they have a debt reorganization plan in mind for the rapper instead of the outright liquidation that's common in Chapter 7 filings.

Forbes

He stayed mostly quiet as his party's presidential nominee continued getting in hot water.

HuffPost

Save for two EPs 2012's excellent Work, Live & Sleep in a Collapsing Space and last year's more experimental Assertion of a Surrounding Presence he's stayed mostly quiet.

Vice

The Obama administration defended itself after the Edward Snowden revelations by claiming that Snowden stayed mostly quiet about his concerns before he took them to the press implying that he was leaking information for self-serving reasons.

Vice

Stay quiet, walk quiet, and and move fast.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stay mostly quiet" when describing a deliberate choice to limit speech in a specific situation, such as observing a meeting or avoiding unnecessary conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "stay mostly quiet" in contexts where complete silence is expected or implied. It's best suited for scenarios where some level of interaction is possible, but actively minimized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stay mostly quiet" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a state of limited verbal activity. It describes a deliberate choice to minimize speaking rather than maintaining complete silence. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in describing scenarios where individuals or entities limit their communication.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stay mostly quiet" is a grammatically correct verbal phrase that describes a state of limited verbal activity. While Ludwig reports the phrase is usable, it is missing enough real-world examples for analysis and should be used with caution. It conveys a deliberate choice to minimize speaking rather than being completely silent. Alternatives like "remain largely silent" or "keep relatively silent" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Its register is neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, though careful consideration should be given to avoid overuse or misapplication where complete silence is implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain largely silent

Emphasizes a greater degree of silence, implying almost complete absence of speech.

keep relatively silent

Highlights the act of maintaining a state of silence over a period.

mostly refrain from speaking

Focuses on the conscious effort to avoid speaking.

stay comparatively quiet

Suggests a level of quietness in comparison to a previous state or other individuals.

remain generally subdued

Indicates a more general state of reduced activity and expression, not just verbal.

largely keep mum

An informal way of saying 'keep silent', adding a sense of secrecy or unwillingness to speak.

maintain a low profile

Shifts the focus to avoiding attention, which includes minimizing speech.

stay discreetly silent

Highlights the intention to be silent to avoid causing attention or trouble.

keep a lid on things

An idiomatic expression meaning to suppress or keep something secret, including speech.

hold one's tongue for the most part

Indicates a struggle to remain silent, with occasional slips.

FAQs

How can I use "stay mostly quiet" in a sentence?

You can use "stay mostly quiet" to describe someone who is refraining from speaking much. For example, "During the presentation, I decided to stay mostly quiet and take notes".

What does "stay mostly quiet" mean?

It means to remain relatively silent, not speaking unless necessary. It implies a conscious effort to limit verbal communication.

What can I say instead of "stay mostly quiet"?

You can use alternatives like "remain largely silent", "keep relatively silent", or "mostly refrain from speaking" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "stay completely quiet" or "stay mostly quiet"?

If complete silence is intended, "stay completely quiet" is more appropriate. "Stay mostly quiet" suggests a degree of silence but allows for occasional speaking.