to be quiet

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be quiet" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used as a verb phrase, meaning to refrain from making noise or to remain silent. It can be used in a variety of situations, such as giving instructions or requests, expressing a desire for peace and quiet, or describing someone's behavior. Example 1: "I asked the children to be quiet during the movie so we could hear the dialogue." Example 2: "Please try to be quiet while I'm on the phone with an important client." Example 3: "The students were told to be quiet during the test so they wouldn't disturb each other." Example 4: "I love going to the park to sit and be quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of the city." Example 5: "She was always known for her ability to be quiet and listen during conversations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Time to be quiet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We will both need to be quiet".

The New Yorker

"I want it to be quiet".

The New York Times

right now is to be quiet".

The New York Times

Everyone else needs to be quiet".

The New York Times

"It has to be quiet.

The New York Times

I learned to be quiet.

The New York Times

"Everyone used to be quiet.

The New York Times

He likes to be quiet.

The New York Times - Style

But she wasn't going to be quiet.

The New Yorker

The judge told him to be quiet.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone "to be quiet", consider the context and adjust your tone accordingly. A gentle request is often more effective than a harsh command.

Common error

Avoid using "to be quiet" when you actually mean "to be respectful" or "to be attentive". While silence can be a component of these behaviors, it's not the only one. Ensure your instructions accurately reflect your expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be quiet" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase, often used to express a request, command, or desire for silence. As Ludwig examples show, it can be used in direct instructions, or to describe a preference for a tranquil environment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be quiet" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase that primarily serves to request or instruct silence. According to Ludwig, it's widely accepted and applicable in diverse scenarios. The phrase maintains a neutral register, fitting comfortably into both formal and informal contexts. While incredibly common across diverse sources, it is most prevalent within news and media publications. Though "to be quiet" is straightforward, effective communication involves understanding the context and adjusting your language to achieve the desired outcome. You can use alternatives such as "to remain silent", "to hold one's tongue", or "to keep mum" to add variety to your writing and to express your message more effectively. Always be mindful that "to be quiet" refers specifically to sound, and isn't a synonym for other qualities like attentiveness or respect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to remain silent

Focuses on the act of not speaking, similar to being quiet.

to not make a sound

Focuses specifically on the absence of any noise.

to fall silent

Describes the action of becoming quiet after a period of noise or speech.

to maintain silence

Highlights the continuous effort of staying quiet.

to hold one's tongue

Emphasizes restraining oneself from speaking, often to avoid causing offense or conflict.

to quiet down

Suggests a reduction in noise level, rather than complete silence.

to keep mum

An informal idiom meaning to say nothing, emphasizing secrecy or discretion.

to clam up

An informal way to describe suddenly becoming silent, often due to nervousness or reluctance.

to be still

Implies refraining from movement or noise, broadening the scope beyond just sound.

to hush

A more direct and often imperative way of asking someone to be quiet.

FAQs

How can I politely ask someone "to be quiet"?

Instead of directly saying "to be quiet", you could use phrases like "Could you please "keep it down"?", "Would you mind being a little quieter?", or "Please be mindful of the noise level."

What's the difference between "to be quiet" and "to be silent"?

While similar, "to be quiet" generally implies a reduction in noise, whereas "to be silent" suggests a complete absence of sound. You might ask someone "to be quiet" during a movie, but expect them "to be silent" during a moment of respect.

Is it ever inappropriate to ask someone "to be quiet"?

Yes, in situations where someone is expressing important emotions or sharing crucial information, asking them "to be quiet" can be dismissive and insensitive. Choose your words carefully and consider the context.

Are there alternatives to saying "to be quiet" in a formal setting?

In formal situations, consider using phrases like "Please refrain from making noise", "Your attention, please", or "Kindly observe silence" instead of "to be quiet".