staying silent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "staying silent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone choosing not to speak or remaining quiet in a certain situation. Example: During the meeting, John was the only one staying silent while everyone else was voicing their opinions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Nor are they penalised for staying silent.

The Economist

Staying silent was not an option.

The New Yorker

But this time, he's not staying silent.

The Washington Post

But he was agonizing about staying silent about religious extremism.

The New York Times

In 2018, it appears the biggest risk is staying silent.

The Guardian - Film

And staying silent is actually the worst option.

Harvard Business Review

Is she staying silent because she is German?

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The press stayed silent.

The New Yorker

Abbas stayed silent nearby.

The New Yorker

Don't stay silent.

Independent

The boyfriend stayed silent.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics, consider the impact of "staying silent" versus speaking up. Use the phrase when you want to highlight a deliberate choice or the consequences of not expressing an opinion.

Common error

Be aware that "staying silent" can sometimes be interpreted as agreement or condoning something, even if that's not the intention. If you need to convey neutrality without implying agreement, consider adding a disclaimer or clarifying your position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "staying silent" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English. It can be employed to describe someone's conscious choice to abstain from speaking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "staying silent" is a grammatically sound and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the act of deliberately not speaking. According to Ludwig, it's usable in written English. It often conveys strategic restraint or passive observation, and can be found in news, business, and general contexts. However, it's important to be aware that "staying silent" can be interpreted as agreement, so consider clarifying your position if neutrality is intended. Alternatives include phrases like "remaining quiet" or "keeping mum", but the best choice depends on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining quiet

Emphasizes a general lack of noise or speech, similar to "staying silent" but can also imply a lack of activity.

keeping quiet

A simpler and more direct alternative, focusing on avoiding noise and conversation.

maintaining silence

Suggests an ongoing effort to remain quiet, particularly in situations where there might be pressure to speak.

choosing to be silent

Highlights the act of making a conscious decision to not speak.

keeping mum

An informal idiom for "staying silent", suggesting a deliberate withholding of information.

holding one's tongue

Implies a conscious effort to avoid speaking, often to prevent saying something inappropriate or unwanted.

opting for silence

Focuses on the deliberate choice of silence as a preferred course of action.

refraining from speaking

A more formal way of saying "staying silent", emphasizing the act of consciously holding back speech.

not uttering a word

Emphasizes the complete absence of speech, suggesting a strong resolve to remain silent.

abstaining from comment

Indicates a deliberate decision not to offer an opinion or remark on a particular subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "staying silent" to describe a deliberate choice not to speak, as in "The witness chose "staying silent" during the trial" or to describe the state of not speaking, as in "Staying silent can sometimes be interpreted as agreement".

What are some alternatives to "staying silent"?

Alternatives include "remaining quiet", "keeping mum", "holding one's tongue", or "refraining from speaking", depending on the context.

Is it always better to speak up instead of "staying silent"?

Not always. The best course of action depends on the situation. Sometimes "staying silent" can be a strategic choice, while other times, speaking up is necessary to address injustice or prevent harm. It's important to consider the potential consequences of both options.

What does it mean when someone is "staying silent" on a controversial issue?

It can mean several things. They might be undecided, afraid of backlash, trying to avoid taking sides, or genuinely not wanting to comment. It is important to understand the context. Staying silent can also be an attempt to avoid escalating a conflict.