a moment of stillness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a moment of stillness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief period of calm or quiet, often in a reflective or meditative context. Example: "As the sun set, I took a moment of stillness to appreciate the beauty of the landscape before me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

There was a moment of stillness.

The Guardian

Though the lion is posed in a moment of stillness, you sense in the beast's bony and sinewy anatomy a terrific potential for action.

The New York Times - Arts

But typically a dancer tilts back while on the balls of her feet in a moment of stillness contrasted with ferocious drumming.

The New York Times - Arts

My toes clenched in my boots and my belly held itself aloft in a moment of stillness as the flame quivered, perfectly bright.

The Guardian - Books

He was very shy, so would normally pose or make some kind of gesture, but I got him in a moment of stillness.

The Guardian - Arts

And maybe before we go further into character and the science of character, you could just tell us a little bit about what you do to try to find a moment of stillness in this world.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Each one presents a moment of blessed stillness, in the dark.

The New York Times

With the headlong smash that comes from a health problem rearing its rather unattractive head there also comes a moment of unequivocal stillness.

Independent

For Voigt it was champagne and a chorus of Happy Birthday, then a moment of quiet stillness as the national anthem played.

The Guardian - Sport

And the article adds chirpily, "Even the ongoing problem of a lack of houses for sale in Westchester eased somewhat last year". Like a roller coaster, a financial bubble has a moment of eerie stillness at the top.

The Washington Post

Defying his mother's curse on the girl's family, Ivanko meets Marishka in the open fields; they undress in a headlong dash for the river (as the camera dashes daringly with them), then discover their desire in a moment of stunned stillness — but a heavy price is exacted over time in surprising ways.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a moment of stillness" to effectively create a sense of atmosphere or shift in pacing within your writing. It can signal a time for reflection or a pause before significant events.

Common error

Avoid inserting "a moment of stillness" too frequently in fast-paced or action-heavy scenes. It can disrupt the flow and reduce the overall tension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a moment of stillness" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It names a specific instance or period characterized by tranquility and lack of activity. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

30%

Books

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a moment of stillness" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a brief period of calm or quiet. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it's often used to evoke a sense of reflection or anticipation in writing. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Arts and Books. When employing this phrase, consider the pacing of your writing to ensure it enhances rather than disrupts the overall flow. Related phrases like "a brief pause" or "a fleeting moment of calm" can provide alternative ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fleeting moment of calm

Emphasizes the transience and tranquility of the experience.

a split second of peace

Focuses on the extremely short duration and tranquility.

a brief pause

Focuses on the brevity of the interruption to activity.

an instant of tranquility

Emphasizes the immediate and peaceful nature of the moment.

a short period of quiet

Highlights the brevity and lack of noise.

a quiet interlude

Emphasizes the peaceful nature and temporary quality of the break.

a serene interval

Highlights the calmness and limited duration of the period.

a momentary silence

Highlights the brief absence of sound.

a tranquil respite

Stresses the relief and peacefulness offered by the break.

a peaceful lull

Suggests a temporary cessation of activity or noise.

FAQs

How can I use "a moment of stillness" in a sentence?

You can use "a moment of stillness" to describe a brief period of calm or reflection, for example, "Before the storm, there was "a moment of stillness"."

What phrases are similar to "a moment of stillness"?

Similar phrases include "a brief pause", "a quiet interlude", or "a fleeting moment of calm".

Is "a moment of stillness" formal or informal?

"A moment of stillness" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It can be used in news articles, literature, or personal reflections.

What is the effect of using "a moment of stillness" in writing?

Using "a moment of stillness" can create a sense of anticipation, reflection, or contrast within your writing. It provides a pause for the reader to process information or emotions.