a bit of a respite

USAGE SUMMARY

"a bit of a respite" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a period of brief relief or rest from something difficult or unpleasant. For example: "After days of intense work, we finally had a bit of a respite to relax and enjoy ourselves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The first Sputnik gave a bit of a respite, but after a while the deterioration continued.

The New York Times

Her furry face served as a bit of a respite at a time when the city found itself grappling with high crime rates and an intensifying financial crisis.

The New York Times

There's nothing like a heavy snowfall to give one a bit of a respite, to turn the ordinary, like walking to the corner store, into a little adventure.

The New York Times

The show with that title at the Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art hints at a bit of a respite from brain-taxing art theories.

The New York Times

For Mr. Babbitt, 62, who friends said was a retired train conductor, the store offered an escape into fantasy and a bit of a respite from home, where he cared for his 94-year-old mother, Lucille Babbitt.

The New York Times

My only thought about the headphones was that it would be a bit of a respite for him and hopefully wouldn't drag him backwards at all or make him feel any less confident than he already did.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It's a bit of a slow burner, but hopefully it serves as a brief respite before the storm of action in the last few episodes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Production of the final episodes of the 2013-14 seasof of "Sesame Street" went on a two-week break last week, a planned hiatus that provided a bit of respite for the show's cast and producers.

The New York Times

"There was a little bit of a respite with Jimmy Carter, but I find it almost unbelievably funny when the Republicans blame the Democrats for what has transpired, even though since 1968 it's been largely Republican rule," Schumacher said.

Los Angeles Times

By then, many players seemed relieved to be headed to the West Coast for a change of scenery, a bit of respite from the boos.

The New York Times - Sports

They need a bit of respite.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bit of a respite" when you want to convey a brief and welcome break from something challenging or stressful. It is particularly effective in describing temporary relief from difficult situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit of a respite" to describe long-term solutions or permanent changes. This phrase specifically implies a temporary break, not a lasting resolution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit of a respite" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It signifies a temporary period of relief or rest from something difficult or demanding, as suggested by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit of a respite" is a commonly used phrase that provides a sense of temporary relief from a difficult situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media. While not overly formal, it’s appropriate for a variety of contexts, suggesting a brief and welcome break. Related phrases like "a moment of relief" or "a short break" offer alternatives, but remember that this phrase implies a temporary rather than a lasting change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A moment of relief

Focuses on the feeling of relief rather than the period of rest.

A short break

Emphasizes the brevity of the pause or interruption.

A temporary lull

Highlights the temporary nature of the calmness or inactivity.

A brief pause

Focuses on the action of stopping or interrupting something.

A welcome interruption

Conveys the positive aspect of the break from something.

A chance to recover

Stresses the opportunity for recuperation or restoration.

A breather

Informal term for a short rest or break.

A period of calm

Highlights the peacefulness and tranquility of the interval.

A short interlude

Suggests a brief and often pleasant interruption.

A fleeting escape

Focuses on escaping from a difficult situation, even temporarily.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bit of a respite" to describe a temporary break from something difficult. For example, "The rain provided "a bit of a respite" from the intense heat."

What's a more formal alternative to "a bit of a respite"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "a temporary lull" or "a moment of relief". These phrases convey a similar meaning while maintaining a more professional register.

How is "a bit of a respite" different from "a complete solution"?

"A bit of a respite" implies a temporary break or relief, whereas "a complete solution" suggests a permanent resolution to a problem. They are different in scope and duration.

What can I say instead of "a bit of a respite" to emphasize the brevity of the break?

To emphasize the brevity, you could use phrases like "a short break" or "a brief pause", which highlight the short duration of the relief.