to silence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to silence" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of making someone or something quiet or preventing them from speaking. Example: "The loud noise seemed to silence the crowd." Alternative expressions include "to hush" and "to quiet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Quell means to silence, pacify.

The New York Times

Poems are difficult to silence.

The New Yorker

All fade to silence.

The New Yorker

No to silence".

The New Yorker

I listened to silence for two minutes".

The New York Times

— aren't managing to silence the critics.

The New York Times

A plainclothes policeman tries to silence them.

The Economist

Then it was back to silence.

The New York Times

We have decided to silence our guns.

The New Yorker

No one shall shoot us to silence.

The New York Times

It also failed to silence him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to silence" when you want to emphasize the act of suppressing or preventing speech or expression, whether literally or figuratively. For example, "The government attempted "to silence" the opposition party."

Common error

Avoid using "to silence" when a more nuanced term like "to quiet" or "to calm" would be more appropriate. "To silence" carries a stronger connotation of suppression, so ensure it aligns with your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to silence" is as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to express purpose. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. It can also function as part of a verb phrase, indicating an action performed on a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to silence" serves to express the intent of suppressing speech or expression. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across a spectrum of contexts, predominantly within news and media, but also in science and formal business writing. Although grammatically sound, it's vital to consider the connotations associated with "to silence," particularly its implications of censorship or control, which can influence tone and context. When using "to silence," ensure it accurately conveys the intention and scope of the suppression being described, choosing more appropriate synonyms when a milder term is more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to quiet

Focuses on reducing noise or disturbance rather than complete suppression.

to suppress

Emphasizes the act of holding back or restraining something, often an opinion or expression.

to quell

Implies subduing or pacifying something that is causing unrest or disturbance.

to muzzle

Suggests preventing someone from speaking, often in a restrictive or oppressive way.

to stifle

Indicates hindering or impeding something, such as a yawn or a creative impulse.

to gag

Directly implies preventing speech, often through physical means or censorship.

to censor

Specifically refers to the act of removing or suppressing objectionable material.

to hush up

Suggests concealing or covering up something to keep it secret.

to stifle dissent

Emphasizes the suppression of disagreement or opposition.

to shut down

Indicates a complete cessation of activity or expression.

FAQs

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

The phrase "to silence" is often used to describe the act of preventing someone from speaking or expressing their opinions. For example: "The dictator used propaganda "to silence" dissent."

What's the difference between "to silence" and "to quiet"?

"To silence" implies a complete suppression of speech or expression, often through force or authority. "To quiet", on the other hand, simply suggests reducing noise or disturbance.

Which is the correct phrase, "to silence" or "for silencing"?

"To silence" is an infinitive phrase indicating purpose or intention. "For silencing" is a gerund phrase, often used as a noun. The correct choice depends on the grammatical structure of the sentence.

What can I say instead of "to silence"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "to suppress", "to quell", or "to muzzle". Each carries a slightly different connotation, so choose the word that best fits your intended meaning.