uneasy calm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uneasy calm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a sense of tranquility, but underlying tension or discomfort exists. Example: "The room was filled with an uneasy calm as everyone awaited the announcement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

An uneasy calm returned to the Marais yesterday.

Independent

Tuesday morning, the uneasy calm is interrupted by sporadic gunfire.

The New York Times

Sometimes, uneasy calm is the only way to proceed.

The New Yorker

On Capitol Hill, an uneasy calm descended after the 12 01 a.m.

The New York Times

There is an uneasy calm – and it is in Sturgeon's gift to unleash a storm.

The Guardian

"An uneasy calm remains," said Olivier Blanchard, the International Monetary Fund's chief economist.

The New York Times

But for the moment an uneasy calm prevails over the city.

The New York Times

Several residents, reached by telephone, said that an uneasy calm had settled over the city.

The New York Times

At Bakhchisarai, where last week Russian soldiers surrounded the base, there is now an uneasy calm.

The Guardian

"Uneasy calm," he said, adding that Jos is "gradually getting over it, by the grace of God".

The New York Times

The uneasy calm that ensued, with Chan acknowledging Siamese and Vietnamese suzerainty, ended with Chan's death in 1835.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uneasy calm" to effectively convey a temporary or deceptive peace where underlying tensions or potential disruptions exist. It's useful in narrative contexts to create suspense.

Common error

Avoid using "uneasy calm" to describe long-lasting states. The phrase suggests a temporary respite before a return to conflict or turmoil.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uneasy calm" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "uneasy" modifies the noun "calm". Ludwig AI confirms it's suitable and used across reliable English sources. It describes a state of deceptive tranquility fraught with underlying tension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Social Media

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "uneasy calm" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to depict a temporary or deceptive state of peace, underlain by tension or impending disruption. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its widespread usage across reputable sources, particularly in news and media. When writing, use this phrase to create suspense or highlight the fragility of a situation, but avoid applying it to long-lasting states. Related phrases include "tenuous serenity" and "precarious stillness", offering nuanced alternatives to fit various contexts. Be sure to also explore the alternative that Ludwig AI provides.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tenuous serenity

Replaces "calm" with a more elevated term while keeping "uneasy" replaced by its synonym.

precarious stillness

Substitutes both "uneasy" and "calm" with similar-meaning words, evoking a sense of fragility.

restless tranquility

Uses a paradoxical construction to highlight the contradictory nature of the calm.

tense lull

Emphasizes the anticipation and potential interruption of the calm.

nervous quiet

Highlights the underlying anxiety associated with the calm.

unsettled stillness

Focuses on the lack of resolution or stability in the calm.

fragile peace

Emphasizes the delicate nature of the situation.

artificial quietude

Suggests the calm is manufactured and not genuine.

superficial tranquility

Indicates the calm is only on the surface, with underlying issues.

false sense of security

Highlights the potential danger hidden beneath the calm.

FAQs

How can I use "uneasy calm" in a sentence?

You can use "uneasy calm" to describe a situation where there is a temporary period of peace or quiet, but with an underlying sense of tension or anticipation of trouble. For example, "An "uneasy calm" settled over the city after the protests ended".

What are some synonyms for "uneasy calm"?

Alternatives to "uneasy calm" include "tenuous serenity", "precarious stillness", or "tense lull". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "uneasy calm" and "comfortable silence"?

"Uneasy calm" implies a stressful situation and a temporary state before further turmoil, while "comfortable silence" suggests a peaceful, relaxed, and consensual state.

Is "uneasy calm" formal or informal language?

"Uneasy calm" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it appears more frequently in news reports and literary writing. Ludwig AI's analysis of language suggests a neutral tone.