a long intermission

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long intermission" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a break or pause in an event, such as a performance, meeting, or presentation, that lasts for an extended period. Example: "After a long intermission, the audience was eager to see the second act of the play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Is she nervous after such a long intermission?

The New York Times

The five-hour play is performed in two acts, with a long intermission.

The New York Times

Whether this proves to be the final curtain or merely a long intermission depends on whether the board succeeds in putting together a new financial plan for the Tony Award-winning theater that has been hailed for its African-American repertoire.

The New York Times

While one Spectator columnist was departing another was returning, as after a long intermission caused by the eight-month phone hacking trial (which also involved his wife, Rebekah Brooks, and notably featured evidence on his lesbian porn collection), horseracing writer Charlie Brooks made his Daily Telegraph comeback last week.

The Guardian

Marvin's religious fanatic of a father blew away his precious love, and ours with it, leaving us to a long intermission of bewilderment.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Returning after a curiously long intermission during their recital at Carnegie Hall on Wednesday night, a program devoted to the complete Brahms sonatas, the violinist Gidon Kremer and the pianist Krystian Zimerman tore into the agitated first movement of the D minor work, taking a bracing tempo and emphasizing its volatile mood swings.

The New York Times - Arts

After what seemed like an inordinately long intermission, Weir returned to the stage with 'Lost Sailor' and 'Saint of Circumstance' a pair of late 1970s Grateful Dead tunes penned by Weir and John Barlow Then, in a surprise appearance, Perry Farrell of Jane's Addiction took the stage to sing "Friend of the Devil" with Weir, and then to sing Tom Petty's 'Breakdown' with Weir backing him.

Forbes

The festival has attracted first-class performers, directors, and designers and has established a reputation for discovering new talent, but much of its popularity can also be attributed to its custom of allowing patrons to stroll and picnic on the beautiful grounds of the estate during a long dinner intermission.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(The opera house was torn down in 1992 and replaced by a larger facility). The festival has attracted first-class performers, directors, and designers and has established a reputation for discovering new talent, but much of its popularity can also be attributed to its custom of allowing patrons to stroll and picnic on the beautiful grounds of the estate during a long dinner intermission.

Britannica

On the windowsill was a foil-covered bowl of pasta that would tide her over during Glyndebourne's traditional long intermission, when audience members are invited to picnic on the grounds amid the gardens and the giant horse-head sculptures and the bucolic prospects of sheep grazing beyond the ha-ha wall that barred them from the gourmet grass around the manor house.

The New York Times - Magazine

I, suffering from jetlag, found it hard to concentrate on them at the end of a long program with no intermission.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a long intermission" to clearly indicate an extended break during a performance, meeting, or event, allowing for audience members or participants to relax, refresh, and prepare for the next segment.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a program will automatically include "a long intermission". Always check the schedule or confirm with event organizers to avoid surprises, especially if you have commitments before or after the event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long intermission" functions as a noun phrase, where "long" modifies the noun "intermission." It specifies the duration of the break. As confirmed by Ludwig, the usage is grammatically correct and easily understood.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a long intermission" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to denote an extended break in a performance or event. While relatively rare in occurrence, according to Ludwig, it effectively communicates the duration of the pause. The sources analyzed by Ludwig are primarily from news and media outlets. Using "a long intermission" helps set audience expectations. It's essential to consider alternative phrasing or ensure clarity when discussing planned breaks during performances or meetings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extended break

Focuses on the duration of the break, emphasizing its length.

a lengthy pause

Highlights the duration of the pause using a different adjective.

a prolonged recess

Uses 'recess' as a synonym for 'intermission', suggesting a formal break.

an extensive hiatus

Emphasizes the substantial nature of the break from activity.

a considerable lull

Suggests a calmer, quieter period of inactivity.

a significant downtime

Highlights the break in activity with emphasis on the time 'off'.

a protracted interval

Uses a more formal term 'interval' to indicate a longer separation.

a substantial gap

Focuses on the space or duration between events.

a drawn-out suspension

Indicates an extended period where something is temporarily stopped.

a major respite

Highlights the aspect of relief or rest provided by the break.

FAQs

How can I use "a long intermission" in a sentence?

You can use "a long intermission" to describe an extended break during a performance or event. For example, "After "a long intermission", the audience returned to their seats."

What are some alternatives to saying "a long intermission"?

Alternatives include "an extended break", "a lengthy pause", or "a prolonged recess", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "a long intermission" to describe a short break?

No, "a long intermission" implies an extended duration. For shorter breaks, use phrases like "a short intermission" or "a brief intermission".

What's the difference between "a long intermission" and "a short intermission"?

"A long intermission" indicates a significant break, allowing for activities like meals or socializing, while "a short intermission" is a brief pause, usually just for stretching or quick refreshments.