A brief pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A brief pause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short interruption or break in speech, action, or thought. Example: "After explaining the concept, the teacher took a brief pause to allow the students to absorb the information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

DS A: (brief pause) Yeah.

HuffPost

A brief pause.

The Guardian - Film

A brief pause, and, finally: "Thank you".

The New York Times - Sports

A brief pause, then an equally brief description.

The New York Times

A brief pause, during which I absorbed this exciting information.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is a brief pause.

The New Yorker

After a brief pause, the cage descends.

The New Yorker

There was a brief pause.

The New York Times

After a brief pause, his message continued.

The New York Times

There was then a brief pause.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The data are having a brief pause, or a consolidation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In dialogue, use "a brief pause" as a stage direction to indicate character's hesitation or thoughtfulness. This can add depth and realism to the conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief pause" multiple times in a short span. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement and prevent the writing from becoming repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief pause" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used adverbially to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state is entered. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates a short interruption in speech, action, or thought.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

11%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Sport

1%

Books

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a brief pause" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a short interruption in speech, action, or thought. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and applicable across various writing styles. Its usage spans from formal contexts like news reports and academic papers to more informal settings like lifestyle articles. When using the phrase, consider varying your language to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement. Alternatives include "a short pause", "a momentary silence", and "a slight hesitation", among others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short pause

Emphasizes the duration of the pause being short.

a momentary silence

Focuses on the silence during the short break.

a slight hesitation

Highlights the act of hesitating momentarily.

a short intermission

Implies a structured break, similar to an event intermission.

a fleeting break

Indicates the pause is very temporary and quick.

a quick respite

Suggests the pause offers a short relief from something.

a temporary suspension

Focuses on the action being temporarily stopped.

a short lull

Highlights a period of quiet or inactivity.

a passing pause

Emphasizes the act of the pause passing quickly.

a momentary lapse

Implies a brief failure or interruption of concentration.

FAQs

How can I use "a brief pause" in a sentence?

You can use "a brief pause" to indicate a short break in speech or action, such as, "After the announcement, there was "a brief pause" before the applause began".

What are some alternatives to "a brief pause"?

Alternatives to "a brief pause" include phrases like "a short pause", "a momentary silence", or "a slight hesitation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a brief pause"?

Yes, "a brief pause" is grammatically correct. "Brief" is an adjective modifying the noun "pause", forming a common and acceptable phrase in English.

When is it appropriate to use "a brief pause" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a brief pause" when you want to emphasize a short interruption or hesitation in a narrative, dialogue, or any form of writing where timing and pacing are important. For example, you could use this phrase to indicate silence or reflection.