Brief respite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Brief respite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short period of rest or relief from something challenging or demanding. Example: "After a long day of meetings, I took a brief respite to recharge before tackling the next project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A brief respite.

The New York Times

There was a brief respite at midday.

The New York Times

It was a brief respite.

The Guardian - Sport

It would be a brief respite.

The Guardian - Sport

It was only a brief respite.

The Guardian - Sport

That proved to be a brief respite.

The Guardian - Sport

To Keith Olbermann: A welcome, but all too brief, respite.

The New York Times

But he is making up for the brief respite now.

The New York Times

West led a diamond, giving South a brief respite.

The New York Times - Arts

The decision provided a brief respite for California.

The New York Times

"Just a brief respite from tanks and bullets.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure "brief respite" accurately conveys the intended meaning. It's especially useful when the break is unexpected or provides a moment of calm amid chaos.

Common error

Avoid using "brief respite" in overly casual or informal situations where simpler terms like "short break" or "quick pause" would be more appropriate. This maintains a natural and fitting tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief respite" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a temporary period of relief or rest. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely used, functioning to denote a pause from difficulty or stress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Sport

12%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science & Research

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brief respite" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a short period of rest or relief, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Primarily used in news, sport and encyclopedic content, it conveys a temporary pause in a difficult or demanding situation. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in informal settings, where simpler terms might be more suitable. Alternatives include "short break", "temporary relief", and "fleeting pause", each offering a slightly different nuance. Remember to consider the formality of the context when choosing your phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short break

Focuses on the brevity of the pause, emphasizing the interruption of an activity.

temporary relief

Highlights the alleviation of something unpleasant, stressing its impermanence.

fleeting pause

Emphasizes the quick and transient nature of the interruption.

short intermission

Suggests a scheduled or planned break, often in a performance or activity.

momentary lull

Indicates a temporary period of calm or quiet in a turbulent situation.

quick breather

Informal, suggesting a short period to recover or relax.

temporary reprieve

Emphasizes the temporary suspension of a punishment or hardship.

short recess

Suggests a formal break, often in an official proceeding or meeting.

transient respite

Highlights the limited duration of the relief.

brief interlude

Suggests a short and pleasant interruption of something more serious or mundane.

FAQs

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

You can use "brief respite" to describe a short period of rest or relief. For example, "The decision provided a "brief respite" for California" or "That proved to be a "brief respite"."

What are some alternatives to "brief respite"?

Alternatives include "short break", "temporary relief", or "fleeting pause", depending on the context and the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "brief respite" formal or informal?

"Brief respite" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. Simpler terms like "short break" might be more suitable for very informal contexts.

What is the difference between "brief respite" and "short break"?

"Brief respite" often implies a temporary relief from something challenging or stressful, while "short break" is a more general term for any short pause in activity.