uneasy silence

USAGE SUMMARY

"uneasy silence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing a situation where the atmosphere is tense, uncomfortable, and quiet. For example: "The uneasy silence that filled the room was almost tangible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

It's a very uneasy silence".

The New York Times

There is another uneasy silence.

The Guardian

We walked in impatient, uneasy silence.

The New York Times

After a moment of uneasy silence, he started laughing.

The New York Times

For a few moments, there was an uneasy silence.

The New Yorker

We walk in uneasy silence until we find a restaurant with some signs of life.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Postmodernism has often had uneasy relations with silence.

The New Yorker

Again and again, words fail them, and an uneasy chasm of silence descends.

The New York Times

So we head on north east on this uneasy road in near silence.

Independent

Conor, whose mother is dying of cancer, has been exiled by his own and others' terror and denial into a kingdom of uneasy distances and sour silences.

The Guardian - Books

Her kid sister, Léa (Elsa Zylberstein), a university professor in the city of Nancy, nervously gathers her into her own family, where Juliette remains in an uneasy state of semi-silence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uneasy silence" to effectively set a scene where unspoken tension or discomfort is a key element. It's particularly effective in narratives or descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "uneasy silence" when a neutral or comfortable silence is intended. The phrase specifically conveys a sense of tension or discomfort, so ensure it fits the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uneasy silence" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It vividly characterizes a state of quietude that is laden with tension or discomfort. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "uneasy silence" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to depict a tense or uncomfortable atmosphere. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Analysis of various sources reveals its frequent use in news and media, as well as in literature and general conversation. The phrase effectively evokes a sense of foreboding, anticipation, or suppressed emotion. Related phrases like "uncomfortable quiet" or "tense stillness" can provide similar nuances, while it's important to differentiate "uneasy silence" from a neutral or comfortable silence. The phrase is easy to understand, and its consistent use across reputable sources underscores its validity and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomfortable quiet

Replaces "silence" with "quiet", emphasizing the lack of noise and the discomfort it creates.

tense stillness

Substitutes both words to highlight the fraught, motionless atmosphere.

awkward quietude

Uses a more formal synonym for quietness to enhance the slightly stilted nature of the situation.

strained pause

Focuses on the break in conversation, laden with unspoken tension.

heavy hush

Emphasizes the palpable weight and suppression of sound in the environment.

oppressive quiet

Highlights the burdensome and confining nature of the silence.

chilly silence

Adds a sense of emotional coldness to the lack of sound.

loaded silence

Emphasizes the suppressed emotions or information contributing to the tension.

pregnant pause

Indicates a silence full of anticipation or unspoken meaning.

restless quiet

Conveys a sense of contained energy and nervousness despite the lack of sound.

FAQs

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

You can use "uneasy silence" to describe a moment or situation filled with tension and discomfort. For example: "An "uneasy silence" fell over the room after the argument."

What are some alternatives to "uneasy silence"?

Alternatives include "uncomfortable quiet", "tense stillness", or "awkward quietude", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What feeling does "uneasy silence" evoke?

"Uneasy silence" evokes a feeling of tension, discomfort, and often anticipation or suppressed emotion. It suggests that something is not right or that something is about to happen.

Is "uneasy silence" a common phrase?

Yes, "uneasy silence" is a commonly used phrase in both literature and everyday conversation to describe tense or uncomfortable situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.