A pregnant pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A pregnant pause" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a moment of silence that is filled with meaning or anticipation, often before an important statement or revelation. Example: "As she looked around the room, there was a pregnant pause before she finally spoke, revealing her decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A pregnant pause filled more than a few miles.

The New Yorker

"A Pregnant Pause" (Week in Review, Nov. 29) gives an incredibly accurate picture of the generation gap on abortion rights, one that I had trouble understanding until I read your article.

The New York Times

A pregnant pause.

Huffington Post

A pregnant pause filled the air a moment while my wife digested the statement.

Huffington Post

A pregnant pause followed these words, as the self-styled nerdy British comic hardly has the recognition of say, her mom, Blythe Danner, not to mention Paltrow herself.

Huffington Post

There is a pregnant pause.

The Guardian - Music

There was no treatment.' A pregnant pause.

The Guardian - Arts

After a pregnant pause, Mr. Berger broke into a sly smile.

The New York Times

After a pregnant pause, Adam arrived with flowers and presented them amid cheers from his classmates.

The New York Times

Sorry for the mistake.In this section A pregnant pause A fertile future?

The Economist

There is a pregnant pause and laughter ripples through the audience.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "A pregnant pause", be mindful of the context, ensuring it aligns with the overall tone and enhances the narrative's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "A pregnant pause" too frequently in your writing, as it can lose its impact and become cliché. Opt for varied phrasing to describe moments of significant silence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A pregnant pause" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a particular type of silence. It modifies the noun "pause" with the adjective "pregnant," suggesting a silence that is full of unspoken meaning or anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "A pregnant pause" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a silence filled with anticipation or unspoken meaning. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a valid and useful expression. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts and serves to create suspense or emphasize the significance of a moment. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternative phrasing like "loaded silence" or "significant silence" for varied impact. When using "A pregnant pause", consider the context to ensure the tone and enhance narrative effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Loaded silence

Focuses on the unspoken tension and emotional weight of the silence.

Significant silence

Emphasizes the importance and meaning behind the silence.

Weighted silence

Stresses the burden or emotional impact carried by the silence.

Meaningful pause

Highlights the depth and potential implications of the silence.

Tense silence

Emphasizes the strained or anxious atmosphere of the silence.

Anticipatory hush

Suggests a quiet expectation or suspense before something happens.

Dramatic pause

Highlights the theatrical or impactful nature of the silence.

Awkward silence

Indicates a silence filled with discomfort or unease.

Resonant pause

Suggests a silence that echoes with unspoken meaning or implication.

Moment of reflection

Implies a deliberate silence for thought or consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "A pregnant pause" effectively in a sentence?

Use "A pregnant pause" to create anticipation or emphasize the weight of what is about to be said or happen. For example, "She looked around the room, then there was "a pregnant pause" before she announced her decision."

What are some alternatives to "A pregnant pause"?

Some alternatives include "loaded silence", "significant silence", or "meaningful pause". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "A pregnant pause" formal or informal?

"A pregnant pause" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in narrative or descriptive writing than in highly formal documents.

What does "A pregnant pause" actually mean?

"A pregnant pause" refers to a silence that is filled with unspoken meaning, anticipation, or tension, suggesting that something significant is about to happen or be revealed.