uncanny silence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncanny silence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing a silence that is eerie or strange. For example, "The boys were sitting in an uncanny silence, as if they were frozen in time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

More often than not, however, the uncanny silence was a result of the car's failure to start.

The New York Times

Their "uncanny silence" fascinates, Diski argues, because it reminds us that "we can't really know any other consciousness, not even those of our own species".

The New Yorker

Many first-time drivers of electric cars comment on the uncanny silence, the lack of a rumble when you turn the key in the ignition and none of the satisfying vrhumm of revving the engine.

The New York Times

On Thursday morning, walking to the Moderna Museet, I am struck by the uncanny silence in Stockholm, the wide pavements for crowds that never materialise, the sense that everything is clean and cold, candles glimpsed through every window, great white boats parked on the water.

The Guardian - Arts

The first thing I notice when I turn the I-Pace on is the uncanny silence.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But I recognised the "uncanny" silences and the stark beauty.

The Guardian - Books

It doesn't invalidate the idea of a live-action performance, such as Trevor Nunn memorably created in 2012, but it allows us to savour Beckett's uncanny mix of words, silence and orchestrated sound.

The Guardian

What was always compelling to me were the elements of magic in their story - the unexplained nature of their pact of silence, the uncanny effect they had on those who encountered them and Jennifer's mysterious death.

The Guardian - Books

As postwar revelations of the extermination camps stunned a world already well acquainted with Nazi ruthlessness, the Germans were in no position to ask for sympathy; they set about enduring occupation and picking up the rubble with a stoic silence that Sebald found uncanny.

The New Yorker

Mona Hatoum's "Silence," made of glass in an edition of five dating from 1994, bears an uncanny resemblance to a piece of furniture.

The New York Times - Arts

The Uncanny.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uncanny silence" to create a specific mood or atmosphere in your writing, particularly when you want to evoke a sense of unease or mystery. It's more impactful than simply stating there is "silence".

Common error

Avoid using "uncanny silence" in situations where a normal level of quiet is expected. Overusing it can diminish its impact; reserve it for moments when the silence is genuinely surprising or unsettling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncanny silence" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "uncanny" modifies the noun "silence". It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a particular type of silence that is unsettling or strange. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "uncanny silence" is a grammatically correct and evocative expression used to describe an unsettling or unusual absence of sound. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in written English. It functions as a noun phrase, with "uncanny" modifying "silence" to create a sense of unease or mystery. While not overly frequent, it is commonly found in news and media contexts, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples. Related phrases include "eerie stillness" and "ominous hush", offering similar nuances. When using "uncanny silence", reserve it for situations where the silence is genuinely surprising or unsettling to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eerie stillness

Emphasizes the unsettling feeling of a quiet environment.

unnatural quiet

Highlights the artificial or abnormal nature of the lack of sound.

ominous hush

Suggests a silence that foreshadows something negative or threatening.

profound quietude

Emphasizes the depth and completeness of the silence.

peculiar hush

Focuses on the strangeness and unusual quality of the silence.

strange tranquility

Highlights the unusual peacefulness caused by the silence.

unsettling calm

Focuses on the anxiety or unease caused by the silence.

disturbing quiet

Emphasizes the disruptive effect of the silence on one's peace of mind.

remarkable quietness

Highlights the noteworthiness of the silence.

astonishing soundlessness

Emphasizes the unexpected and surprising nature of the complete absence of sound.

FAQs

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

You can use "uncanny silence" to describe a situation where the absence of sound is strange or unsettling. For example, "An "uncanny silence" fell over the crowd after the announcement".

What can I say instead of "uncanny silence"?

Alternatives to "uncanny silence" include "eerie stillness", "unnatural quiet", or "ominous hush", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "uncanny silence" in formal writing?

Yes, "uncanny silence" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing a scene or setting where the silence is a significant or noticeable element. Its usage is prevalent in "news media" and literature.

What makes a silence "uncanny"?

A silence becomes "uncanny" when it's unexpected, out of place, or creates a feeling of unease or something otherworldly. It suggests that the silence is not just the absence of sound, but something more significant or perhaps even threatening.