a brief lull

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief lull" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short period of calm or inactivity, often in the context of a situation that is usually busy or chaotic. Example: "After the initial rush of customers, there was a brief lull in the café, allowing the staff to catch their breath."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Following the Battle of Slater's Knoll in late March and early April 1945 a brief lull followed as the Australians paused to shorten their supply lines.

Wikipedia

AFTER a brief lull, the battle for Jaffna has resumed.

The Economist

Whether this is a new trend or a brief lull remains to be seen.

The Economist

At nightfall there was a brief lull, and then his machine spluttered out this message.

The New Yorker

A brief lull to gaze at the ground far below, then onwards and upwards again.

The Economist

But after a brief lull in recent weeks, the deadly raids appear to be back.

The New York Times

Finally, after about forty-five minutherethere was a brief lull in the waves.

The New Yorker

"They're creatures of habit," he explained patiently during a brief lull in the line.

The New York Times

After a brief lull in the first part of July, those fears have been realized.

The New York Times

The letter's authors met to consider Samson's case during a brief lull in their work day.

The New York Times - Health

The attacks ended a brief lull in the terrorist strikes that have ravaged Pakistan in recent years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brief lull" to clearly indicate a short-lived pause in a continuous or intense activity. It effectively signals a temporary reduction in action before it resumes.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief lull" to describe prolonged periods of inactivity. This phrase implies a temporary pause, not a complete cessation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief lull" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a temporary cessation or reduction in activity, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a brief lull" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a short period of reduced activity or calm within a larger context of ongoing activity. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English, appearing most frequently in news and media. While versatile, it's important to ensure that the pause is genuinely temporary to avoid misrepresenting the situation. Alternatives like "a short pause" or "a temporary respite" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, communicating a pause in events and maintaining a neutral tone suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short pause

Focuses on the brevity and temporary nature of the stop.

a temporary respite

Highlights the relief provided during the interruption.

a momentary pause

Emphasizes the fleeting quality of the interruption.

a fleeting calm

Underscores the transient peace before a return to activity.

a short break

Implies a planned or expected interruption in activity.

a quick intermission

Suggests a formal or structured pause.

a passing quiet

Highlights the return to silence or reduced noise.

a momentary stillness

Stresses the absence of movement or activity during the interruption.

a pause in the action

Focuses on the interruption within an active event.

a break in the storm

Emphasizes the calm within a turbulent situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brief lull" to describe a temporary pause in an activity. For example, "After the initial rush, there was "a brief lull" before the next wave of customers arrived".

What are some alternatives to "a brief lull"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a short pause", "a temporary respite", or "a fleeting calm", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "a brief lull" in formal writing?

Yes, "a brief lull" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its meaning is clear, and it's widely used across different contexts.

What's the difference between "a brief lull" and "a long pause"?

"A brief lull" refers to a short period of inactivity, whereas "a long pause" suggests a more extended interruption. The key difference is the duration of the break.