stayed silent

USAGE SUMMARY

'stayed silent' is correct and usable in written English.
You would use this phrase to indicate when someone did not say anything in response to something. For example, "John was asked a difficult question, but he stayed silent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Abbas stayed silent nearby.

The New Yorker

The press stayed silent.

The New Yorker

The boyfriend stayed silent.

The New York Times - Sports

So he stayed silent.

The Guardian

He stayed silent throughout.

The Washington Post

Still, Beyoncé stayed silent.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Don't stay silent.

Independent

I stay silent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She stays silent.

The New York Times

Lowe stays silent.

The Guardian

"We can't stay silent".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stayed silent" to emphasize a deliberate choice not to speak, particularly in situations where a response might be expected or revealing. It can convey a sense of mystery, disapproval, or strategic withholding of information.

Common error

Avoid using "stayed silent" when you simply mean someone was not talking. This phrase implies a conscious decision not to speak, so ensure the context supports that implication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stayed silent" typically functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate act of not speaking. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it describing a conscious choice to withhold information or a reaction in tense situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stayed silent" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone's deliberate choice not to speak, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it conveys a strategic withholding of information, emotional restraint, or disapproval. While alternatives like "remained quiet" or "kept mum" exist, "stayed silent" offers a direct and accessible way to express this specific type of silence. Remember to use it when emphasizing a conscious decision not to speak rather than simply describing a lack of noise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

said nothing

A simple and direct way to state that someone did not speak.

remained quiet

Focuses on the state of being quiet without necessarily implying a prior expectation of speech.

did not utter a word

Emphasizes the complete absence of any spoken communication.

kept mum

Suggests a deliberate choice to withhold information or avoid speaking.

held their tongue

Implies a conscious effort to not speak, often to avoid saying something inappropriate or revealing.

refrained from speaking

Emphasizes the act of consciously avoiding speech.

offered no comment

A formal way to indicate a refusal to answer questions or provide information.

gave no response

Highlights the absence of any kind of reply, not just verbal.

stayed uncommunicative

Describes a general lack of willingness to communicate.

preserved silence

Highlights the active maintenance of silence, possibly due to a vow or agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "stayed silent" in a sentence?

Use "stayed silent" to indicate that someone consciously chose not to speak, especially when a response might have been expected. For example, "When asked about the scandal, the CEO "stayed silent"."

What can I say instead of "stayed silent"?

You can use alternatives like "remained quiet", "kept mum", or "offered no comment" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "stayed silent" or "remained in silence"?

"Stayed silent" is generally more direct and common. "Remained in silence" is grammatically correct but can sound more formal or literary. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.

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

"Stayed silent" implies a conscious decision not to speak, often in a situation where a response might be anticipated. "Was quiet" simply describes a state of not speaking, without necessarily implying a deliberate choice.