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 • 870 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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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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keep mum vs keep silence

keep mum

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