a brief intermission

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief intermission" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a short break or pause in an event, such as a performance, meeting, or presentation. Example: "After the first act, the audience was given a brief intermission to stretch their legs and grab refreshments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Mayor Lindsay gave a brief intermission speech.

The New Yorker

After a brief intermission, the show went on.

The New York Times

Then comes a brief intermission, followed by a string of election nights, some crowded, some not.

The New York Times

Fashion Week has started — or, rather, the continuing onslaught of apparel has resumed after a brief intermission.

The New York Times

Midset, he took a brief intermission while the video screen showed the Surrealist touchstone "Un Chien Andalou".

The New York Times - Arts

There will be a brief intermission after the meeting for guests to enter the auditorium and be seated.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Rather than an intermission, there was a brief pause between the first and second dances in which ushers were scrambling to seat the latecomers.

The New York Times

Cynics might dismiss this as another "Kumbaya" moment: a well-intentioned but brief intermission in the saga of hatred and suspicion among religions.

The New York Times

Even girls who haven't listened to Drake love Drake, so just be prepared to listen to Drake the whole way there and back, with some brief intermission for a Disney soundtrack.

Vice

After the brief intermission, she returned a different pianist.

The New York Times - Arts

What we can be sure of is that neither will welcome the onset of the international break, and the brief intermission it forces on a division that prefers to roll on ceaselessly, turning today's victories into nostalgia, and yesterday's nostalgia into the past.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “a brief intermission” to clearly indicate a short, planned pause in a longer event, such as a performance, meeting, or extended activity.

Common error

Avoid using “a brief intermission” when you mean an unexpected or disruptive stop. An intermission is planned, whereas an interruption is unplanned. Use "a brief interruption" when something unexpectedly halts the proceedings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief intermission" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI notes, it indicates a short break or pause within a larger event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “a brief intermission” is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that signifies a short, planned break in an event. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, making it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to academic papers. While alternatives like “a short pause” or “a quick break” exist, “a brief intermission” maintains a formal tone, effectively communicating the temporary cessation of an activity. Remember to use "a brief interruption" when the pause is unplanned.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short pause

Uses 'pause' instead of 'intermission', indicating a temporary halt.

a momentary pause

Synonymous with "a short pause" but emphasizes the brevity of the break.

a little pause

Emphasizes the slightness and brevity of the pause.

a quick break

Substitutes 'brief' with 'quick' and 'intermission' with 'break', implying a faster, less formal pause.

a small break

Uses different words for a more conversational tone.

a short recess

Replaces 'intermission' with 'recess', suggesting a formal break.

a short interval

Interval highlights the time aspect of the pause.

a short lull

Replaces 'intermission' with 'lull', suggesting a temporary period of calm.

a fleeting respite

Replaces both words for a more poetic alternative, suggesting a temporary relief.

a temporary cessation

More formal and emphasizes stopping something temporarily.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brief intermission" to describe a short break during an event. For example, "The play had a brief intermission after the second act".

What's a good alternative to "a brief intermission"?

Alternatives include "a short pause", "a quick break", or "a short recess", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a brief intermission" in formal writing?

Yes, "a brief intermission" is suitable for formal writing as it is a clear and professional way to describe a planned break. However, using alternatives like "a momentary pause" can make it sound more formal.

What is the difference between "a brief intermission" and "a brief interruption"?

"A brief intermission" refers to a planned pause, usually in a performance or meeting. "A brief interruption", on the other hand, is an unplanned, often disruptive stop. For example, the show had a "brief intermission", but the meeting suffered a "brief interruption" due to a fire alarm.