a brief interval

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief interval" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a short period of time between events or actions. Example: "After a brief interval, the meeting resumed with a new agenda."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Four hours of the stuff, with a brief interval for the audience.

The Guardian

After a brief interval the elder woman cautiously opened the door and stepped out.

The New Yorker

Among journalists and intellectuals, a brief interval of exhilaration had given way to depression and fear.

The New Yorker

After a brief interval as dean of women at Tuskegee Institute, Jackson returned to Oakland.

University of California, Berkeley

When the players returned after a brief interval the fans sensed the Nadal fightback was gathering strength.

The Guardian - Sport

For a brief interval, no one was home, and I decided to get up and go outside.

The New York Times - Magazine

There the heart may continue to beat feebly for a brief interval, but eventually it ceases.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There the heart may continue to beat feebly for a brief interval, but eventually it ceases and death ensues.

Britannica

After a brief interval of cold winters in Japan, the cherry blossoms returned to early blooming in the 12th century.

Britannica

But after a brief interval roughly the length of a commercial break, the story changed.

The New York Times

A brief interval of British control during the Napoleonic Wars, ending in 1815, interrupted the second period.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brief interval" to clearly indicate a short duration between two events, ensuring your audience understands the timing.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief interval" when referring to periods that are clearly not short, such as several days or weeks. This can create confusion and misrepresent the timeline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief interval" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as an adverbial modifier indicating time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

23%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Science

16%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a brief interval" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote a short period or pause between events. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for a range of contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. Its neutral register makes it versatile, though it should be avoided when describing extended durations. Consider alternative phrases like "a short pause" or "a fleeting moment" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short interval

This is a more concise way of expressing the same idea, using 'short' instead of 'brief'.

a brief span

This alternative uses 'span' to emphasize the duration of the short period.

a short pause

This option focuses on the interruption or cessation of activity.

a brief respite

This phrase suggests a temporary break from something difficult or unpleasant.

a momentary lapse

This alternative emphasizes the temporary nature and potential insignificance of the period.

a fleeting moment

This option highlights the brevity and ephemeral quality of the time period.

a quick break

This is a more informal way of describing a short interruption.

a short recess

This suggests a temporary suspension of proceedings, often in a formal setting.

a split second

This option emphasizes a very short duration, almost instantaneous.

a small window of time

This alternative highlights the opportunity presented by the short period.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brief interval" to describe a short period of time between events. For example: "After "a brief interval", the speaker resumed their presentation."

What are some alternatives to "a brief interval"?

Some alternatives to "a brief interval" include "a short pause", "a brief respite", or "a fleeting moment". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a brief interval" formal or informal?

"A brief interval" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While not overly technical, it's more sophisticated than phrases like "a short break".

What's the difference between "a brief interval" and "a short period"?

While similar, "a brief interval" often implies a pause or break between events, while "a short period" is a more general reference to a short amount of time.