a lengthy break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lengthy break" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a significant duration of time taken off from work, study, or an activity. Example: "After working tirelessly for months, I decided to take a lengthy break to recharge and refocus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

A lengthy break in the proceedings failed to calm the mood.

The Economist

After the Briton had held serve, both players received treatment during a lengthy break.

Independent

The pilot advised the co-pilot to take a lengthy break for naps and a meal.

The New York Times

In March 1967, following a lengthy break in their correspondence that Allen found infuriating, Marx finally wrote him a letter.

The Guardian

She then took a lengthy break from stadium tours, resuming with the Drowned World tour in 2001.

The Guardian - Music

Last week Leonard DiCaprio reportedly bowed out of the project in order to take a "lengthy break" from acting, leaving a high profile acting job on the table.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Mr. Craig and his crew, including the set decorator Stephenie McMillan, worked nearly seamlessly on the "Potter" films for a decade; the only time they got a lengthier break they used it to design a "Harry Potter" ride at the Universal theme park in Orlando.

The New York Times

These needs were met by referring carers to community services Overall, twenty one doctors noted respite as a frequently offered means of helping caregivers cope with emotional burnout and ranged from a brief 'going for a walk' to a lengthier break when 'going on holiday'.

BMC Family Practice

Then he had been looking forward to "the chance to chill out and rest" – a first lengthy break since that dramatic departure for Toulon in 2008, since when he has combined rugby with boxing, winning six professional heavyweight bouts.

The Guardian - Sport

While the dispute grew out of a narrow and novel legal question — whether brief "pro forma" sessions by the Senate could prevent the president from making recess appointments during a lengthy winter break by lawmakers — the appeals court blew past that issue and called into question nearly two centuries of recess appointments by presidents of both parties.

The New York Times

If you're going to be working until you're 70, at least one lengthy break seems like a pretty good idea.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and formality of your writing. While "a lengthy break" is generally appropriate, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "an extended hiatus" or "a prolonged intermission".

Common error

Avoid using "a lengthy break" when you mean to describe multiple shorter breaks. "Lengthy" refers to the duration of a single break, not the quantity of breaks taken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lengthy break" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as an object or complement within a sentence. It denotes an extended period of interruption or cessation from an activity, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Sports

25%

Music

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lengthy break" is a noun phrase used to describe an extended period of time taken off from an activity. As Ludwig AI validates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's essential to ensure the term accurately reflects the duration of the break being described and to adjust the formality of the language based on the writing context. For example you can use alternatives like "an extended hiatus" or "a long vacation". Keep in mind that "lengthy" refers to duration, not frequency. Proper usage and awareness of context will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extended hiatus

Focuses on the interruption of an activity.

a prolonged intermission

Implies a temporary cessation within an event or performance.

a long vacation

Specifically refers to time off for leisure.

an extensive leave

Highlights the permission or authorization aspect of time off.

a significant respite

Emphasizes the relief and recovery aspect of the break.

a substantial recess

Suggests a formal or structured break period.

a considerable pause

Focuses on the temporary halt in an activity or process.

an appreciable gap

Highlights the duration or extent of the break.

a sizable layoff

Suggests a temporary suspension of employment.

a protracted absence

Emphasizes the state of being away for a long period.

FAQs

How can I use "a lengthy break" in a sentence?

You can use "a lengthy break" to describe an extended period of time taken off from an activity. For example, "After years of touring, the band decided to take "a lengthy break" to focus on individual projects."

What's a good alternative to "a lengthy break"?

Depending on the context, you could use "an extended hiatus", "a prolonged intermission", or "a long vacation" as alternatives to "a lengthy break".

Is "a lengthy break" formal or informal?

"A lengthy break" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal options like "an extended hiatus" might be preferable in highly formal writing.

What is the difference between "a lengthy break" and "a short break"?

"A lengthy break" implies a considerable duration of time off, whereas "a short break" indicates a brief pause or interruption. The choice depends on the actual duration of the break you are describing.