a bit of a lull

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit of a lull" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temporary period of inactivity or a pause in activity, often in a conversation or event. Example: "After the initial excitement of the meeting, there was a bit of a lull as everyone waited for the next speaker to arrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"There was a bit of a lull.

The New York Times

6.38pm BST There's a bit of a lull.

The Guardian - Sport

59 mins A bit of a lull in the game.

The Guardian - Sport

Tech blogging is at a bit of a lull right now.

The New York Times

"And then there's finally a bit of a lull, just for an hour or so.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's a bit of a lull at the Paralympics at the moment.

The Guardian - Sport

At the moment, there's a bit of a lull and it's very quiet.

The Guardian

11.31pm BST 28 min: A bit of a lull after a fairly frenetic opening half hour.

The Guardian - Sport

Once the Aussies pipe down, there's a bit of a lull.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The N.F.L. went into a bit of a postcombine lull, although the news that Colts quarterback Peyton Manning underwent surgery on a pinched nerve in his neck is likely to make General Manager Bill Polian go numb.

The New York Times - Sports

The bad news never seemed to let up: Bear Stearns in the spring, then after a bit of a summer lull, the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy in mid-September, the takeover of Merrill Lynch, the bailout of American International Group, the collapse of Bernard L. Madoff's business, the near-bankruptcy of General Motors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bit of a lull", ensure the context clearly indicates what activity is experiencing a temporary pause. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit of a lull" to describe prolonged periods of inactivity. This phrase implies a relatively short-lived pause, not an extended stagnation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit of a lull" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes a temporary state of reduced activity or intensity. Ludwig examples show its use in describing pauses in games, careers, or conversations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit of a lull" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a temporary decrease in activity or intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and lifestyle content. When using this phrase, ensure the context makes it clear what is experiencing the lull, and avoid using it for long-term or permanent inactivity. Alternatives such as "temporary pause" or "slight slowdown" can be used for similar effect. Its frequent occurrence in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its reliability and versatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a temporary pause

Focuses on the temporary nature of the inactivity.

a quiet period

Emphasizes the calmness and reduced activity during the interval.

a slight slowdown

Highlights the reduced pace or intensity of activity.

a brief respite

Suggests a short break offering relief from activity.

a momentary stillness

Stresses the lack of movement or activity in the interval.

a passing quietude

Indicates a transient state of calmness and inactivity.

a transient pause

Highlights a stop which is not permanent.

a drop in activity

Focuses on reduced action.

a decrease in tempo

Highlights a lower rhytm compared to the past.

a break in the action

This suggests an interruption of something that was active.

FAQs

How can I use "a bit of a lull" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit of a lull" to describe a temporary pause or decrease in activity. For example, "There was a bit of a lull in the conversation after the main topic was discussed."

What are some alternatives to "a bit of a lull"?

Alternatives include "temporary pause", "quiet period", or "slight slowdown" depending on the context.

Is "a bit of a lull" formal or informal?

"A bit of a lull" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in news and media or casual conversation than academic writing.

How does "a bit of a lull" differ from "a complete stop"?

"A bit of a lull" implies a temporary reduction in activity, while "a complete stop" suggests all activity has ceased entirely. The former is a pause, the latter is a termination.