there is silence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is silence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where no sound is present or to emphasize the absence of noise in a particular context. Example: "As the sun set over the horizon, there is silence in the once-bustling town, creating a serene atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In public there is silence.

The Guardian

Over everything hangs an unsettling quiet: where most Asian cities bustle, here there is silence.

Independent

Today there is my Teatro del Silenzio in Lajatico – an open air theatre, where I sing, one day a year, and the other days there is silence.

The Guardian - Music

Now there is silence.

The New York Times

There is silence.

The New Yorker

Then there is silence.

The New Yorker

Beyond that, there is silence.

The Economist

Otherwise, there is silence.

The New York Times - Travel

There is silence in the room.

Independent

The music ends and there is silence.

The New Yorker

There is silence from the Tories".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there is silence" to create a sense of anticipation or tension in your writing. It can effectively draw attention to a specific moment or highlight a character's reaction to a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "there is silence" repeatedly in dialogue-heavy scenes. Instead, vary your descriptions with actions or internal thoughts to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is silence" primarily functions as an existential clause, asserting the existence of silence. Ludwig shows that it is commonly used to introduce a moment of quiet or stillness in a narrative. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there is silence" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote the presence of quiet or the absence of sound. Ludwig shows that its primary function is to introduce a moment of stillness or highlight a character's reaction, often creating suspense or anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms this. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for diverse contexts like news, literature, and formal communications. While alternatives like "quiet prevails" or "a hush falls" exist, "there is silence" remains a direct and effective way to emphasize the lack of noise. When writing, consider the context and avoid overuse, particularly in dialogue-heavy scenes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all is quiet

Emphasizes the stillness and lack of disturbance.

quiet prevails

Suggests silence is the dominant condition; more formal.

not a sound

Highlights the complete absence of any noise.

a hush falls

Implies a sudden onset of silence; more dramatic.

silence reigns

Presents silence as a powerful, controlling force.

a stillness hangs

Conveys a sense of expectation or unease in the silence.

a lull ensues

Implies a temporary period of quiet after a disturbance.

the air is still

Focuses on the lack of movement and sound in the atmosphere.

no words are spoken

Emphasizes the absence of verbal communication.

the world is mute

Presents silence as encompassing everything.

FAQs

How can I use "there is silence" in a sentence?

You can use "there is silence" to describe the absence of sound or communication in a specific context. For example: "After the announcement, "there is silence" in the room, broken only by nervous coughs."

What are some alternatives to "there is silence"?

Alternatives include "quiet prevails", "a hush falls", or "all is quiet depending" on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "there is silence"?

Yes, "there is silence" is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English sentence structure with "there is" acting as an existential clause.

What's the difference between "there is silence" and "it is silent"?

"There is silence" emphasizes the existence of silence, while "it is silent" describes a state of being. The former is often used to introduce a pause or absence of sound in a narrative, the latter describes a silent setting.