very quiet

USAGE SUMMARY

"very quiet" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it either to describe a sound (e.g. "The room was very quiet") or a person (e.g. "She was very quiet during the meeting.").

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's very quiet.

Independent

I was very quiet.

The New Yorker

Usually it's very quiet.

The New York Times - Magazine

Canadians are very quiet.

The New Yorker

"It was very quiet.

The New York Times

"It's very quiet.

BBC

Very quiet, lovely ending.

Stanford University

Cecil was very quiet.

The New Yorker

You're all very quiet.

The Guardian - Sport

Very quiet talk radio.

The Guardian - Tech

And she's very quiet.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, consider using "very quiet" to highlight their introverted nature or reserved demeanor. For example, "He's "very quiet", preferring to listen rather than speak."

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on "very quiet" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise adjectives like "serene", "tranquil", or "hushed" to convey a nuanced understanding of the environment or the person's behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very quiet" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns to describe a state of reduced or absent noise. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a common way to describe a setting, person, or atmosphere.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very quiet" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to describe a state of reduced noise or disturbance, with applications across various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in formality, more precise alternatives may be preferred in specific professional and academic settings. This phrase's wide acceptance and clear meaning make it a versatile and reliable choice for conveying tranquility or silence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely silent

Emphasizes the absence of sound more strongly than "very quiet".

utterly still

Highlights the lack of movement and activity, in addition to silence.

completely hushed

Implies a sudden or imposed silence, often in a group setting.

remarkably muted

Focuses on the suppression or reduction of sound or expression.

perfectly tranquil

Suggests a peaceful and undisturbed state, encompassing more than just quietness.

noticeably subdued

Describes a lack of energy or enthusiasm, often in behavior or atmosphere.

unusually calm

Indicates a state of peacefulness that is unexpected or different from the norm.

serenely peaceful

Highlights the beauty and tranquility of the quietness.

deeply silent

Emphasizes the profoundness of the silence.

relatively noiseless

Focuses on the absence of noise in comparison to other situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "very quiet" to describe a place, a person, or a situation. For example, "The library was "very quiet"", "She is a "very quiet" person", or "It was "very quiet" after the storm".

What are some alternatives to "very quiet"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "extremely silent", "completely hushed", "perfectly tranquil", or "noticeably subdued".

Is it grammatically correct to say "very quiet"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Very" is an adverb that modifies the adjective "quiet", making "very quiet" a perfectly acceptable and understandable phrase.

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

"Quiet" means having little or no noise, while "very quiet" intensifies this quality, indicating an even greater absence of noise or disturbance. The phrase "extremely quiet" can be regarded as synonymous.