without sound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without sound" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation, object, or action that occurs in silence or lacks auditory elements. For example: "The room was filled with a tension that hung in the air, without sound." Alternative expressions include "silent," "soundless," and "noiseless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts & Entertainment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He laughed without sound.

The New York Times

They aren't just films without sound.

Independent

Without sound sleep, the effect dissipated.

The New Yorker

They scream with and without sound.

The New York Times - Arts

And it all happened without sound.

Independent

And they're recorded without sound.

The New York Times - Sports

With folds but without sound.

The Guardian - Arts

Even without sound, the hook is clear.

The New York Times

An old Egyptian movie was on, without sound.

The New Yorker

A Spanish-language soap opera plays without sound.

The New Yorker

Without sound tiles in place, the quietest sounds echo repeatedly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In descriptive writing, use it to create a sense of tension or eeriness by emphasizing the absence of expected auditory cues.

Common error

Avoid using "without sound" when you mean a lack of logical foundation or structural integrity. While 'sound' can mean 'healthy' or 'valid', the phrase "without sound" is almost exclusively used for auditory silence. For logic, use "unsound" or "without basis".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without sound" acts as a prepositional phrase typically functioning adverbially to modify verbs of action, perception or state. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often clarifies the mode of a visual medium (e.g. 'projected without sound') or the manner of a human action (e.g. 'whisper almost without sound').

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Arts & Entertainment

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "without sound" is a highly versatile and grammatically robust phrase used across a wide range of professional and creative fields. According to data from Ludwig, the phrase is most prevalent in journalism and scientific research, where precision regarding auditory conditions is paramount. While it is often interchangeable with "silently", it carries a more technical weight, especially when discussing film, media or experimental variables. Interestingly, some contexts use it to describe policies or data that lack a solid foundation, playing on the dual meaning of 'sound' as both noise and stability. Overall, it is a safe, clear and effective choice for any writer needing to describe a state of silence or an absence of audio.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

silently

Functions as an adverb rather than a prepositional phrase, focusing on the manner of an action

soundlessly

Emphasizes the complete lack of noise, often used in more poetic or descriptive writing

without audio

Specifically refers to the technical absence of a sound track in digital media or broadcasting

noiselessly

Highlights the absence of mechanical or disruptive noise specifically

in silence

Describes the environment or state of a person rather than an object's property

inaudibly

Suggests that sound might exist but cannot be heard by the human ear

without noise

Slightly more informal and focuses on the lack of unwanted sounds

mute

Often used for a state of being or a setting on a device rather than an atmospheric description

lacking sound

Functional description often used in scientific or objective analysis

without logic

Alternative for when sound is used to mean valid or healthy (e.g. sound reasoning)

FAQs

How do I use "without sound" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an action occurring in silence, for example: 'The figure moved across the room "without sound".' or to describe media: 'The video was recorded "without sound".'

What is the difference between "without sound" and "silently"?

While similar, "silently" is an adverb that modifies the verb directly, whereas "without sound" is a prepositional phrase that can often feel more descriptive or technical.

Can I use "without sound" in scientific writing?

Yes, it is common in scientific contexts to describe experimental conditions, such as 'exposure to stimuli "without sound stimulation"' or data gathered in isolated environments.

Is "without sound" the same as "without audio"?

In modern technology, "without audio" is more common when referring to digital files or settings, while "without sound" is broader and can refer to physical environments.