a little pause

USAGE SUMMARY

"a little pause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that there was a short interruption before what follows. For example: "After the meal, there was a little pause before we started talking about the weekend plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

A little pause.

The New York Times

It was called, 'Fatherhood.' " A little pause.

The New York Times

"Please, let us have a little pause".

The New Yorker

And then after a little pause: "With distended belly".

The New Yorker

That's alwaysgood for a little pause between the appetizerand the entrée.

The New York Times - Books

And I admit to a little pause when, not long after, his opponents managed to get him convicted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Toward the end of the hour, he calmed down a little, paused, and said, "If you give it time, and get past the image of the bronze sculpture in the garden by the famous guy who's dead — if you slowly give it to yourself, you can shake hands with Rodin.

The New Yorker

Toward the end of the hour, he calmed down a little, paused, and said, "If you give it time, and get past the image of the bronze sculpture in the garden by the famous guy who's dead if you slowly give it to yourself, you can shake hands with Rodin.

The New Yorker

But then there was "a little slight pause and then it was like boom, boom, boom, boom, a lot of continuous gun shots," he said.

Vice

But then there's an awkward little pause as she realises the next show won't come round in time.

The Guardian

If they seem to be struggling, slow down the pace a little, giving a slight pause between each word.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little pause" to create anticipation or emphasize a point in your writing. It can effectively signal a shift in thought or introduce a contrasting idea.

Common error

Avoid relying on "a little pause" as a crutch. Too many pauses can make your writing seem hesitant or unsure. Strive for more precise language to connect your ideas smoothly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little pause" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English and the provided examples show how it's used to describe a momentary cessation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little pause" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that indicates a brief interruption or hesitation. Ludwig AI validates its usability, and its frequency is classified as common, predominantly in News & Media contexts. While versatile, avoid overuse to maintain clarity. Related phrases such as "a slight hesitation" or "a short break" can add nuance depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight hesitation

Emphasizes a brief moment of doubt or uncertainty, making it suitable when the pause is due to indecision.

a short break

Suggests a temporary cessation of activity, implying a more deliberate interruption than just a pause.

a brief interruption

Highlights the act of something being stopped or hindered, fitting scenarios where the pause is caused by an external factor.

a moment of silence

Focuses on the absence of sound, suitable in contexts where quietness is a key aspect of the pause.

a small gap

Indicates a literal space or interval between events or elements, appropriate when describing physical separation.

a fleeting respite

Implies a temporary relief from something difficult or unpleasant, adding a sense of welcome cessation.

a quick recess

Suggests a formal or scheduled break, fitting situations like meetings or court sessions.

a temporary cessation

Highlights the temporary nature of the stop, emphasizing that it is not permanent.

a passing lull

Emphasizes the calmness or quietness during the pause, suggesting a peaceful interlude.

a fractional delay

Focuses on the aspect of time, indicating that the pause is very short and causes a slight postponement.

FAQs

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

Use "a little pause" to indicate a brief moment of silence or hesitation before continuing. For example: "She considered the offer, took "a little pause", and then accepted."

What's the difference between "a little pause" and "a short break"?

"A little pause" suggests a very brief, often unplanned interruption, while "a short break" implies a more deliberate and potentially longer cessation of activity.

What are some alternatives to saying "a little pause"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a slight hesitation", "a moment of silence", or "a brief interruption".

Is it grammatically correct to use "a little pause"?

Yes, "a little pause" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a brief cessation or interruption.