a brief pause

USAGE SUMMARY

"a brief pause" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a momentary interruption in speech or activity; for example, "We paused for a brief moment to consider our options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

DS A: (brief pause) Yeah.

HuffPost

There is a brief pause.

The New Yorker

A brief pause.

The Guardian - Film

After a brief pause, the cage descends.

The New Yorker

There was a brief pause.

The New York Times

After a brief pause, his message continued.

The New York Times

A brief pause, and, finally: "Thank you".

The New York Times - Sports

There was then a brief pause.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The data are having a brief pause, or a consolidation.

The New York Times

After a brief pause, the trader responds: "Done.

The New York Times

It would make more sense to call a brief pause.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a brief pause" in dialogue, consider the character's emotional state. It can indicate hesitation, thoughtfulness, or even deception.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief pause" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and detract from its impact. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "a short break" or "a slight hesitation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief pause" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to a short period of inactivity or silence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound. Examples show its use in various narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief pause" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to denote a short interruption in activity or speech. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a wide variety of writing contexts, appearing frequently in news articles, academic texts, and general narratives. The phrase serves to create emphasis, suspense, or provide a moment for reflection. While its register is generally neutral, varying your language with synonyms like "a short break" or "a slight hesitation" can help avoid repetition and enhance your writing's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short break

Focuses on the interruption as a rest period rather than a moment of silence.

a slight hesitation

Focuses on the act of pausing before continuing, often due to uncertainty.

a momentary lapse

Emphasizes a temporary failure or decline in attention or activity.

a passing pause

Stresses the transient nature of the interruption.

a fleeting silence

Highlights the quiet aspect of the pause, suggesting it's very short and possibly unexpected.

a brief lull

Emphasizes a temporary period of calm or inactivity during a storm or conflict.

a quick intermission

Suggests a formal or structured pause, such as in a performance or meeting.

a moment's respite

Highlights the relief or rest provided by the pause.

a temporary cessation

Implies a more formal and complete stop of an activity or process.

a short suspension

Implies a temporary removal or withholding of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brief pause" to indicate a short interruption in speech or action. For example, "After "a brief pause", she continued her story", or "There was "a brief pause" before the applause began".

What are some alternatives to "a brief pause"?

Alternatives include "a short break", "a momentary lapse", or "a slight hesitation", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a brief pause" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a brief pause" when you want to highlight a short moment of silence or inactivity. This can be effective in creating suspense, indicating thoughtfulness, or marking a transition in a narrative.

Is there a difference between "a brief pause" and "a short pause"?

While both phrases are similar, "a brief pause" might imply a slightly shorter duration than "a short pause". The choice between them often depends on the desired emphasis and flow of the writing.