a brief respite

USAGE SUMMARY

“a brief respite” is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you need a way to describe a short period of time in which a situation or activity is stopped or interrupted. For example: “The students enjoyed a brief respite from their studies while they celebrated the holidays.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A brief respite.

The New York Times

There was a brief respite at midday.

The New York Times

It was a brief respite.

The Guardian - Sport

It would be a brief respite.

The Guardian - Sport

It was only a brief respite.

The Guardian - Sport

That proved to be a brief respite.

The Guardian - Sport

West led a diamond, giving South a brief respite.

The New York Times - Arts

The decision provided a brief respite for California.

The New York Times

"Just a brief respite from tanks and bullets.

The Guardian

But on this balmy African evening, a brief respite existed.

The New York Times

BOSTON -- A brief respite from panic and doom expired quickly here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brief respite" to signal a temporary pause in a stressful or demanding situation, offering a moment of relief or calm. For example, "The weekend offered a brief respite from the pressures of work."

Common error

Avoid using "a brief respite" excessively in highly formal or technical writing. While acceptable, more precise or sophisticated vocabulary might be more suitable. Consider alternatives like "temporary cessation" or "short interlude" in such instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief respite" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief respite" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe a short period of rest or relief. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely recognized and accepted in written English. It's most commonly found in News & Media sources, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. While numerous alternatives exist, "a short break" and "a temporary lull" offer close semantic similarity. When using the phrase, consider the context to avoid overuse in highly formal or technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short break

Focuses on the brevity and the act of pausing.

a temporary lull

Emphasizes the temporary nature and the calming aspect.

a momentary pause

Highlights the fleeting quality of the interruption.

a quick intermission

Suggests a formal or structured break.

a fleeting recess

Conveys the sense of a brief and often welcome pause.

a short interlude

Implies a break that provides contrast or relief.

a passing reprieve

Highlights the relief aspect and its transient nature.

a temporal break

Underlines the time-limited nature of the pause.

a brief cessation

Emphasizes the stopping of an activity for a short duration.

a short period of relief

Directly expresses the relief provided by the break.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brief respite" to describe a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant. For example, "The vacation provided a brief respite from the daily grind."

What phrases are similar to "a brief respite"?

Alternatives include "a short break", "a temporary lull", or "a momentary pause", depending on the context.

Is "a brief respite" formal or informal?

"A brief respite" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly used in news articles, literature, and everyday conversation, making it a versatile phrase.

What is the difference between "a brief respite" and "a long respite"?

The key difference is the duration of the break. "A brief respite" indicates a short period, while "a long respite" implies a more extended period of relief or rest.