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keep mum vs keep silence

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Keep mum' is an informal expression meaning to remain silent or keep a secret, while 'keep silence' is a more formal way of saying the same thing. The choice between the two depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 858 views

keep mum

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal contexts to mean to remain silent or keep a secret.

This informal expression is used to tell someone to keep quiet or not reveal information. It is often used in a playful or lighthearted manner.

Examples:

  • I can't tell you the surprise party plans, so you'll have to keep mum about it.
  • She promised to keep mum about what happened at the party.
  • Whatever he tells the cops, we keep mum.
  • Listen - whatever you do, keep mum.
  • You decided to marry your son off, and you keep mum.
  • In other words, keep mum about the war, those responsible for it and its consequences.
  • I keep mum all the time!
  • I keep mum all the time!
  • Still trying to keep Mum happy?

Alternatives:

  • stay quiet
  • keep it hush-hush
  • keep a secret
  • keep quiet
  • keep it under wraps

keep silence

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in everyday conversation. It is a more formal way of saying to remain silent or keep quiet.

This phrase is more formal and can be used in situations where a higher level of decorum or seriousness is required.
  • We will now keep silence in memory of the murdered police officer.
  • We will now keep silence in memory of the victims.
  • A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.
  • Keep silence with me for a minute, won't you?
  • "Let your women keep silence in the churches."
  • Remember you have promised to keep your silence.
  • Not everyone can keep the silence, and bear the quietude.
  • Pedrosa paid 400 quarters... to two seamstresses from Albaicin warning them... to keep complete silence on the subject.
  • Those people you paid off to keep their silence, we paid them more.
  • Keep the Silence in sight at all times.
  • Do I still have to keep my silence?
  • My mother took the terrible risk ofwriting to my father, reminding to keep theirlove and his silence.
  • Antony, you can't keep this code of silence.
  • Radio silence keeps us hidden, and alive
  • Now, it has been said that "A man is known by the silence he keeps."
  • Hotch: "A man is known by the silence he keeps."
  • I think one should often just keep quiet, live in silence.
  • Keep quiet the mouth suedes Of which you silence her.
  • I keep hitting a wall of silence.
  • He wants to keep me from knowing, and he will bully anyone who might help me into silence.

Alternatives:

  • maintain silence
  • observe silence
  • stay silent
  • keep quiet
  • refrain from speaking

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