stood in silence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stood in silence" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a situation when two or more people are standing together in an uncomfortable or solemn atmosphere without speaking. For example: The mourners stood in silence around the casket, unable to express the sorrow they felt inside.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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.

The Washington Post

They stood in silence for a minute.

The New Yorker

Then she stood in silence.

The New Yorker

At other schools, students stood in silence.

The New York Times

Others held Argentine flags or simply stood in silence.

The New Yorker

Again, both teams stood in silence to observe the moment.

The Washington Post

He stood in silence, listening to the cranes.

The New York Times - Magazine

The delegates stood in silence until Wilkins said "Amen".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enrich your writing, consider what triggered the silence. Was it shock, grief, or reverence? Adding context deepens the impact on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "stood in silence" in situations where active communication or response is expected. Silence, in those cases, might convey disinterest or disapproval rather than the intended solemnity or respect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stood in silence" functions as a descriptive element within a narrative, depicting a specific action (standing) performed in a specific manner (silently). Ludwig confirms this usage, demonstrating its role in setting a scene or conveying an emotional state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stood in silence" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to depict moments of quiet contemplation, respect, or grief. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions descriptively, setting a scene and conveying emotion, primarily within News & Media contexts. While its register is generally neutral, appropriate usage hinges on understanding the situation to ensure silence is interpreted as intended. Consider alternatives like "remained quiet" or "were silent" to fine-tune your message. The phrase's widespread presence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and versatility in conveying solemn moments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stood mute

Combines the action of standing with the inability or unwillingness to speak.

remained quiet

Focuses on the act of staying silent rather than the physical act of standing.

maintained silence

Highlights the effort to keep quiet.

were silent

Emphasizes the state of being silent without necessarily specifying the physical posture.

observed quietly

Focuses on the act of observing while being quiet.

were hushed

Emphasizes an atmosphere of quietness, rather than the action of specific individuals.

paused in quiet

Highlights a temporary break with quiet.

held their peace

Emphasizes the conscious decision to not speak.

refrained from speaking

Focuses on the active choice to avoid speaking.

were still

Highlights stillness but does not explicitly mention silence.

FAQs

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

Use "stood in silence" to describe a moment where people are quietly standing, often due to respect, shock, or grief. For example, "The mourners "stood in silence" as the coffin was lowered."

What does "stood in silence" imply?

The phrase "stood in silence" often implies respect, grief, contemplation, or a moment where words are inadequate. It suggests a shared emotional experience among those present.

What are some alternatives to "stood in silence"?

Some alternatives include "remained quiet", "were silent", or "stood mute". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "stood in silence"?

Yes, it can be inappropriate if the context calls for active communication or a response. Silence can be misconstrued as disinterest or disapproval if a reaction is expected.