uncommonly quiet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncommonly quiet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or environment that is unusually silent or lacking in noise. Example: "The library was uncommonly quiet, allowing the students to focus on their studies without distractions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

In certain neighborhoods the streets are uncommonly quiet, like the aftermath of some sort of rapture.

The New York Times

The employees who did make it to work have found it uncommonly quiet.

The New York Times

Because it is still largely residential, it remains rooted in ordinariness and is uncommonly quiet.

The New York Times - Travel

That she was uncommonly quiet made sense when you learned that she had come to Paris to study mime.

The New York Times

Republican leaders and potential presidential candidates were uncommonly quiet on Friday, suggesting that Mr. Obama had located a rare bit of breathing room on a political landscape that is often crowded, contentious and noisy.

The New York Times

Phil Jagielka, United's right-back, kept Julio Arca, who sustained medial knee ligament damage late on and may miss several games, uncommonly quiet but such individual triumphs could not mask United's weaknesses further forward.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

They also suggest that he was an uncommonly smooth prevaricator.

The New Yorker

Yet their quiet virtues look uncommonly good against their vagabond peers including the 72 about to enter the Lok Sabha, India's parliament, charged with serious crimes.This may be another reason for Congress's strong showing.

The Economist

By the end of this intermissionless evening, these quiet, loosely overlapping scenes gradually cohere to compose a collective portrait of contemporary urban isolation that feels uncommonly wise and tender and true.

The New York Times

Uncommonly strange and entertaining.

The New Yorker

Pam is uncommonly energetic.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a setting or situation, use "uncommonly quiet" to effectively convey a sense of unexpected or unusual silence, creating a specific mood or highlighting a significant change.

Common error

Avoid using "uncommonly quiet" directly in dialogue unless it's stylistically intentional. Characters rarely describe a situation with such detached observation in natural conversation. Opt for descriptions of their sensory experiences or emotional reactions instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncommonly quiet" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to describe the unusual or unexpected lack of noise or activity associated with the noun it modifies. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "uncommonly quiet" is a grammatically sound and effective way to describe an unusual or unexpected state of silence. As shown by Ludwig AI, it’s most commonly found in news and media contexts, indicating its suitability for formal and objective writing. While relatively uncommon compared to simpler phrases like "very quiet", it adds a nuanced layer of surprise or remarkability. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in dialogue where more direct sensory descriptions might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkably silent

Emphasizes the notable absence of sound.

unusually silent

Highlights the atypical lack of sound.

exceptionally still

Focuses on the unusual lack of movement or activity.

noticeably hushed

Draws attention to the reduced level of noise.

strangely calm

Suggests an unusual peacefulness or tranquility.

peculiarly peaceful

Highlights an odd or distinctive sense of peace.

eerily silent

Implies a silence that is unsettling or disturbing.

unaccountably still

Indicates a stillness that lacks an obvious explanation.

surprisingly subdued

Emphasizes an unexpected lack of activity or energy.

distinctly muted

Highlights a clear and noticeable reduction in sound levels.

FAQs

How can I use "uncommonly quiet" in a sentence?

Use "uncommonly quiet" to describe a situation that is unusually silent or peaceful. For example, "The library was "uncommonly quiet", allowing students to focus."

What are some alternatives to "uncommonly quiet"?

Alternatives include "remarkably silent", "unusually silent", or "exceptionally still" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "uncommonly quiet" in formal writing?

Yes, "uncommonly quiet" is suitable for formal writing, especially when aiming to convey a sense of surprise or contrast. It appears in respected publications like The New York Times.

What's the difference between "uncommonly quiet" and "very quiet"?

"Uncommonly quiet" suggests a noticeable deviation from the usual level of noise, while "very quiet" simply indicates a low level of sound. "Uncommonly quiet" implies surprise or remarkability.