a brief interlude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief interlude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a short pause or break in a narrative, performance, or event. Example: "After the intense first act, the audience enjoyed a brief interlude before the second act began."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a brief interlude.

The Guardian

Just occasionally the orchestra has a brief interlude to itself.

The Guardian - Music

"We don't seek a brief interlude between two wars.

The Guardian

For him, it's just a brief interlude in his life".

The Guardian - Sport

Creating a brief interlude to help us see how off base we are can work wonders.

The New York Times

For a brief interlude in the mid-seventies, Delhi had seemed like a functioning capital.

The New Yorker

Libya was a brief interlude, but the days of heavy-handed military intervention are over.

The Guardian

For a brief interlude, the city has returned to roughly habitable dimensions.

The New York Times

But this is a brief interlude, like a politician shaking hands before the hustings.

The Guardian

After a brief interlude, I proceeded to have a much less familiar experience, a facial.

The New York Times - Travel

9.34pm ET: In a brief interlude, we're told that it's Nicole Scherzinger's birthday.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brief interlude" to signal a temporary departure from the main subject or activity, offering a moment of contrast or reflection. This can improve readability and provide a more engaging experience for the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief interlude" too frequently, as it can become repetitive and detract from the overall flow. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "a short pause" or "a quick break" to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief interlude" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes a short period or pause that interrupts a longer sequence of events or activities. Ludwig's examples show its use in diverse contexts, reinforcing its role as a descriptor of temporary breaks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

14%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a brief interlude" is a noun phrase used to describe a short, temporary break or pause within a larger event or activity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts. To ensure clarity and prevent repetition, consider using alternatives such as "a short break" or "a fleeting moment". When writing, be mindful of the intended purpose of the pause – whether for contrast, relief, or change of pace – to enhance the overall impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short break

Focuses on the idea of a temporary cessation or pause.

a quick pause

Underscores the brevity and abruptness of the interruption.

a temporary break

States explicitly that the period is not permanent and is intended to provide separation from a continuous process.

a fleeting moment

Emphasizes the quick and transient nature of the period.

a brief lull

Highlights a period of calm or quiet in the midst of activity.

a temporary respite

Highlights the relief or rest provided during the short period.

a short interval

Focuses on the space or gap between two events or periods.

a passing phase

Suggests that the period is part of a larger sequence of events.

a short hiatus

Uses a more formal term for a temporary pause or break.

a momentary lapse

Implies a slight deviation or interruption in a continuous process.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brief interlude" to describe a short period of time that interrupts a longer activity or event. For example, "After a long day of work, a quiet evening at home was "a brief interlude"."

What are some alternatives to "a brief interlude"?

Some alternatives include "a short break", "a fleeting moment", or "a temporary respite". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a brief interlude" formal or informal?

"A brief interlude" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for both writing and speaking. Its formality depends on the surrounding language and context.

What's the difference between "a brief interlude" and "a brief interruption"?

While similar, "a brief interlude" often suggests a more planned or welcome pause, while "a brief interruption" implies an unexpected or disruptive break. For example, "The concert featured "a brief interlude" of acoustic music", versus "The meeting suffered "a brief interruption" due to a fire alarm."