a brief break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a short period of rest or pause in an activity. Example: "After working for several hours, I decided to take a brief break to recharge my energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it was only a brief break.

The New York Times - Sports

7.38pm: A brief break, says Jools.

The Guardian - Music

During a brief break, I ask if he feels nervous.

The Guardian - Sport

Now he took a brief break from hauling body bags.

The New York Times

An excerpt from a 1949 radio interview with Schoenberg gave the musicians a brief break.

The New York Times - Arts

The titular teen gives his parents a brief break from torture when he discovers archery.

Independent

The matchup against Gonzaga provided Butler with a brief break in Atlantic 10 play.

The New York Times

Portraits of artists and writers provide a brief break from the show's life-cycle narrative.

The New York Times

The daily wage was earned from sunrise to sunset, with a brief break for lunch.

The New York Times

She wept while filling several soda cups and then took a brief break.

The New York Times

"The space is killing us," Ms. Fluet said during a brief break between classes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brief break" to clearly indicate a short pause in an activity, especially when the context requires emphasizing the temporary nature of the interruption.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief break" to describe extended periods away from work or commitments. For longer durations, use terms like "hiatus", "sabbatical", or "leave of absence" to accurately reflect the length of the absence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a brief break" is to act as a noun phrase, typically functioning as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief break" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a short pause in an activity. Ludwig's analysis, combined with numerous real-world examples, indicates its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, indicating a temporary interruption. For alternative phrasing, consider "a short pause" or "a quick rest". When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the brevity of the pause to avoid confusion with longer absences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short pause

Focuses on the temporary cessation of activity, emphasizing the interruption itself.

a quick rest

Highlights the recuperative aspect, suggesting a short period of relaxation.

a short respite

Implies a temporary relief from something difficult or unpleasant.

a momentary pause

Emphasizes the brevity of the interruption.

a brief intermission

Suggests a formal or structured break, often in a performance or event.

a fleeting pause

Highlights how short the pause actually is

a short hiatus

Emphasizes a discontinuation or break in activity, a longer pause than others

a small recess

Similar to intermission but used in more informal contexts.

a quick breather

More colloquial, suggesting a short pause to regain composure or energy.

a temporary lull

Suggests a period of quiet or inactivity within a larger, ongoing process.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brief break" to describe a short pause in an activity, like, "After working for three hours, I took a brief break to stretch my legs."

What are some alternatives to "a brief break"?

Alternatives include "a short pause", "a quick rest", or "a short respite", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a briefly break" instead of "a brief break"?

No, "a briefly break" is grammatically incorrect. "Brief" is an adjective describing the noun "break". Using the adverb "briefly" is not appropriate in this context.

What's the difference between "a brief break" and "a short vacation"?

"A brief break" refers to a short pause in an activity, while "a short vacation" implies a longer period away from work or daily routines, typically for leisure or rest.