a fleeting pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fleeting pause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or momentary stop in action or speech, often conveying a sense of transience. Example: "During the presentation, there was a fleeting pause before she continued with her main argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Flashes of Henry Mancini's easy listening classic Moon River for example, or a fleeting pause for the heroine – a modern witch – to smile in slow motion to camera.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The only sound in the room was the voice of Mr. Broadbent announcing the bids, which, after another fleeting pause, at sixty-eight thousand pounds, spiralled upward without hesitation through the seventies and eighties.

The New Yorker

A momentary pause.

The Guardian - Sport

It is the way you might expect someone to play, for example, who in notes for Saint-Saëns's Second Cello Concerto can pause to savor a fleeting modulation from D to E flat "of which the Beatles would have been proud," then go on to remark that Saint-Saëns and John Lennon shared the same birth date.

The New York Times - Arts

A fleeting sensation of omnipotence?

The New York Times - Magazine

For Damon, it was a fleeting keepsake.

The New York Times - Sports

Everyone has a fleeting moment of stardom.

Independent

But that was a fleeting notion.

The New York Times - Sports

Opportunity can be a fleeting thing.

The New York Times - Sports

She gave a fleeting smile.

The Guardian - Travel

It was a fleeting visit.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fleeting pause" to add a sense of drama or anticipation in your writing. It suggests a brief but noticeable interruption that can heighten the reader's engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "a fleeting pause" too frequently, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Instead, vary your descriptions with synonyms like "brief interruption" or "momentary hesitation" to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fleeting pause" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It describes a brief cessation or interruption. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is valid in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fleeting pause" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a brief interruption. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is valid and useful in English writing. While not exceedingly common, its use is appropriate in various contexts, especially within news and media. When writing, remember that synonyms such as "brief interruption" or "momentary silence" can provide variation and maintain reader interest. Overall, the phrase adds a touch of drama and emphasis when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a split-second pause

Highlights the extremely short duration of the pause.

a brief interruption

Emphasizes the interruption aspect more than the duration.

a momentary hesitation

Focuses on the hesitancy rather than the pause itself.

a quick silence

Highlights the silence that occurs during the pause.

a rapid intermission

Conveys a brief and quick break in an activity or event.

a short break

Suggests a more defined break, possibly longer than a fleeting one.

a momentary suspension

Implies a holding back or temporary stopping of something.

a passing lull

Implies a temporary period of reduced activity or sound.

a transient stillness

Emphasizes the temporary and quiet nature of the pause.

a temporary cessation

Uses more formal language to describe a temporary stop.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a fleeting pause" in a sentence?

Use "a fleeting pause" to create suspense or emphasize a character's internal thoughts. For example: "She hesitated, then, after "a fleeting pause", she revealed the truth."

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

"A fleeting pause" emphasizes the extremely short duration and transience of the pause, while "a brief pause" simply indicates a short duration without necessarily implying transience.

Are there situations where using "a fleeting pause" would be inappropriate?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "a fleeting pause" in highly technical or scientific contexts where precision is paramount. In such cases, more objective terms like "momentary delay" might be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "a fleeting pause" to avoid repetition?

To avoid repetition, consider using phrases like "a momentary silence", "a brief respite", or "a quick interruption" depending on the specific context.