terrible hush

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrible hush" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a profound silence that feels oppressive or unsettling, often in a dramatic or literary context. Example: "As the storm approached, a terrible hush fell over the village, leaving everyone on edge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The hum of the machine died away into a terrible hush.

The Guardian

In the terrible hush that followed Newtown, Eli Saslow wrote movingly about the parents left behind — Mark and Jackie Barden, in particular, whose seven-year-old son, Daniel, died in the shootings.

The New Yorker

In the terrible hush that followed Newtown, Eli Saslow wrote movingly about the parents left behind Mark and Jackie Barden, in particular, whose seven-year-old son, Daniel, died in the shootings.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Hush, Hush".

The New York Times - Books

People hush.

The New York Times

Now hush.

The New York Times

Hush, now.

The New Yorker

"You hush".

The New Yorker

But hush.

The New Yorker

Hush now.

The Guardian - Books

"shahid, hush.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terrible hush" to create a dramatic or suspenseful atmosphere in your writing, particularly when describing a scene where something significant is about to happen or has just occurred.

Common error

Avoid using "terrible hush" in casual or lighthearted writing. The phrase carries a strong sense of drama and is best suited for more serious or literary contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrible hush" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "terrible" modifies the noun "hush". It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a specific type of silence. Ludwig examples confirm this usage in describing dramatic or unsettling moments.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "terrible hush" describes a silence that is unsettling and foreboding. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and functions primarily as a noun phrase within news and media contexts. While relatively rare, it is effective for creating dramatic tension in writing. Consider using alternatives like "ominous silence" or "eerie quiet" for similar effects. When using "terrible hush", reserve it for serious or literary contexts to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ominous silence

Emphasizes the sense of impending doom or threat more directly.

eerie quiet

Focuses on the unsettling and unnatural aspect of the silence.

oppressive stillness

Highlights the heavy and burdensome feeling of the lack of sound.

heavy silence

Indicates a silence laden with unspoken tension or emotion.

unsettling calm

Highlights the contrast between an expected activity and the actual quiet, creating unease.

dreadful quiet

Conveys a feeling of fear and apprehension associated with the silence.

pregnant pause

Suggests a silence filled with anticipation or unspoken meaning.

deathly silence

Implies a complete absence of life or activity, often associated with mortality.

uncomfortable silence

Focuses on the social awkwardness or tension caused by the lack of conversation.

solemn stillness

Emphasizes the respectful and dignified nature of the silence, often in a ceremonial context.

FAQs

What does "terrible hush" mean?

The phrase "terrible hush" refers to a profound silence that is unsettling or ominous, often preceding or following a significant event. It suggests a silence filled with tension and anticipation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "terrible hush"?

It's appropriate to use "terrible hush" when you want to create a dramatic or suspenseful mood in your writing, particularly when describing a scene where something significant is about to happen, such as during a tense standoff or after a shocking revelation.

What are some alternatives to "terrible hush"?

You can use alternatives like "ominous silence", "eerie quiet", or "oppressive stillness" to convey a similar sense of foreboding or unsettling silence.

How can I use "terrible hush" in a sentence?

You might say, "A "terrible hush" fell over the crowd as the magician prepared for his final trick", or, "The "terrible hush" after the explosion was more frightening than the blast itself".