unbroken silence

USAGE SUMMARY

"unbroken silence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a period of time where there is very little or no sound. For example, "The unbroken silence of the night sky was only punctuated by the occasional hoot of an owl."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Even more odd, the street was filled by an unbroken silence.

The New Yorker

Then, in the face of an unbroken silence from above, he admitted defeat.

The New Yorker

Carmichael's mother recalled driving up with him in unbroken silence from New York to the New Hampshire home of Daniels's parents: "I had never seen my son like that.

The New York Times - Books

"The Silence" (1997) I listened And waited a long time For what was to be said And nothing spoke but a silence so deep it could be speech or a primed hesitance of speech to say what's true for ear or mind as yet unborn to take it in so that the longer and deeper it grew the more the unbroken silence felt full   "Being Somebody" (1983) He had need of a way to be himself without being himself.

The New York Times

The monastic Christian tradition has seen individual monks and nuns take vows of silence lasting years; Quakers meet in largely unbroken silence; Buddhism devotes much energy to the power of silent meditation.

BBC

"It is a period of unbroken silence that contrasts with the rest of the court's unceasing inquiries," the AP wrote at the time.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The author of an essay on the Cuban church in "Catholicism and Politics in Communist Societies" (Duke University, 1990), Dr. Quigley said the church endured a period of "marginalization" in the 1960's and 1970's, a period of nearly unbroken public silence by the bishops.

The New York Times

There was a muffled click and then dead silence, unbroken by rustling or buzzing.

The New Yorker

I made my way alone and, with the exception of a brief solitary cry, the silence was unbroken.

The Guardian - Sport

For all the grassroots support -- the project can be thought of as the ultimate supercomputer spread across the face of the planet -- the silence remains unbroken.

The New York Times

On a bright spring morning, in the lane just a few yards from the gate, the silence is unbroken except by birdsong.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unbroken silence" to create a sense of suspense or unease in your writing. It's especially effective when the silence is unexpected or follows a period of noise or activity.

Common error

Avoid using "unbroken silence" to describe a situation where the silence is literally broken by a sudden noise. The phrase implies a continuous state of quiet, so a sudden interruption would negate its meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unbroken silence" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "unbroken" modifies the noun "silence", emphasizing the continuous and uninterrupted nature of the quiet. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unbroken silence" is a descriptive noun phrase that conveys a sense of continuous and uninterrupted quiet. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and usable in various writing contexts, most commonly in News & Media. While "unbroken silence" might not be the most frequently used phrase, it's effective in creating a specific mood or atmosphere, particularly when emphasizing suspense or unease. When using this phrase, ensure that the silence is truly continuous and not interrupted by sudden noises. Consider alternatives like "complete quiet" or "profound hush" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unrelieved quiet

Similar meaning, emphasizing the continuous nature of the quiet.

sustained quiet

Highlights the duration of the silence.

complete quiet

Focuses on the absolute absence of sound.

continuous quiet

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the silence.

persistent quiet

Highlights the enduring quality of the silence.

total stillness

Emphasizes the lack of movement and sound combined.

profound hush

Highlights the depth and intensity of the silence.

deafening silence

Suggests a silence so intense it feels overwhelming.

utter quietude

Uses a more formal term for a state of complete quiet.

absolute calm

Broadens the concept to include a general sense of peace and tranquility.

FAQs

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

You can use "unbroken silence" to describe an atmosphere of profound quiet, such as: "The forest was filled with an "unbroken silence" that was almost palpable".

What phrases are similar to "unbroken silence"?

Alternatives to "unbroken silence" include "complete quiet", "profound hush", or "deafening silence", each with slightly different nuances.

Is there a difference between "unbroken silence" and "sustained quiet"?

"Unbroken silence" suggests a continuous, uninterrupted period of quiet, whereas "sustained quiet" simply implies that the quiet has lasted for a significant duration.

When is it appropriate to use "unbroken silence" in writing?

Use "unbroken silence" to emphasize a prolonged or eerie quiet, creating a specific mood or atmosphere. It's especially fitting when the silence is notable or carries significance.