a break for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a break for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a pause or rest period for a specific purpose or activity. Example: "After working for several hours, we decided to take a break for lunch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then truth made a break for it.

The New York Times

And with that, a break for lunch.

The New York Times

Then he made a break for it.

The New Yorker

A break for me!

The New Yorker

That's not a break for a family".

The New York Times

The men took a break for tea.

The New York Times - Magazine

The judge ordered a break for lunch.

The Guardian - Music

This can be a break for him".

The New York Times - Sports

Tumbling for the kids and a break for the parents!

University of California, Berkeley

There will be four rounds, with a break for lunch.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It's a break for [students]," Quaye says of the program.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a break for", ensure the reason for the break is clear and relevant to the context. For instance, "We scheduled a break for lunch after the morning session" is more effective than simply saying "We scheduled a break".

Common error

Avoid using "a break for" without specifying what the break is for. For example, instead of saying "The meeting will have a break", specify "The meeting will have "a break for coffee"" or "a break for discussion" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a break for" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a temporary cessation of an activity. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase commonly connects an action with its purpose, such as "a break for lunch" or "a break for tea."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a break for" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a temporary interruption of an activity. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound and widely accepted in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, it serves to announce or justify a pause for a specific purpose, such as a meal or networking opportunity. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to specify the purpose of the break to enhance clarity. Alternatives like "a pause for" or "time out for" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Avoiding overuse and ensuring clarity will improve your writing's effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pause for

Focuses on the temporary cessation of activity, similar to "a break for", but emphasizes the briefness of the interruption.

a breather for

Emphasizes a short pause to relax or recover, often implying a need for rest.

a respite for

Implies a period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant, adding a nuance of recovery.

a let-up for

Indicates a decrease in intensity or effort, providing a lighter period of activity.

time out for

Suggests a temporary suspension of an activity, often used in the context of games or structured activities.

a halt for

Suggests a complete stop in activity, often temporary, for a specific purpose.

intermission for

Specifically refers to a break during a performance or event, providing a formal context.

downtime for

Refers to a period of inactivity or relaxation, often used in the context of technology or personal schedules.

recess for

Often used in an educational context, referring to a break from classes or formal learning activities.

a suspension for

Implies a temporary cessation, often due to a rule or regulation, adding a formal or procedural aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "a break for" in a sentence?

Use "a break for" to indicate a pause or interruption in an activity for a specific purpose. For example, "Let's take "a break for tea"" or "The conference includes "a break for networking"".

What are some alternatives to "a break for"?

Alternatives include "a pause for", "time out for", or "an intermission for", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a break for lunch" or "a lunch break"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different emphasis. "A break for lunch" emphasizes the interruption of other activities for the purpose of lunch, while "a lunch break" focuses on the lunch period itself.

Can "a break for" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a break for" is suitable for formal writing, especially when specifying the purpose of the break. For example, "The agenda includes "a break for questions" after the presentation."