a momentary pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a momentary pause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief interruption or break in an action or speech. Example: "After a momentary pause, she continued her speech with renewed confidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

A momentary pause.

The Guardian - Sport

For once, Trump seems to have actually had a momentary pause before siding with his base.

The Washington Post

"There was just a momentary pause in activity," one witness said.

The New York Times

Some argue that the push back against market forces is a momentary pause in a steady march toward unfettered capitalism.

The New York Times

This one cup of tea was a momentary pause, a hiatus, a lifeline in an otherwise frantic shift.

The Guardian

But is the economy really weakening or is this a momentary pause in an otherwise healthy process?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

When the count ran out, there was momentary pause followed by a flurry of loud cracks.

The New York Times

Newcastle fans – and even Benítez – seemed so startled by what they had just seen that there was a momentary collective pause, a sense of suspended animation, before the celebrations began.

The Guardian - Sport

Blackley's momentary pause reflected the magnitude of the moment for a 29-year-old journeyman who has played on three continents but was pitching in only his 15th major league game.

The New York Times - Sports

"You gotta get away from me, I'm hot!" The momentary pause allowed them both to pick up the subtext.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So I thought I would debunk them here, if only to give momentary pause to late-winter Scrooges.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a momentary pause" to create suspense or emphasize a significant moment in your writing. It's more impactful than simply stating that something stopped.

Common error

While "a momentary pause" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid using it excessively. Vary your language with synonyms like "a brief silence" or "a short break" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a momentary pause" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a brief cessation or interruption. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a momentary pause" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that signifies a brief interruption or cessation. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and versatility. It's prevalent in news and media, serving to emphasize important moments or transitions. While useful, avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "a brief silence" or "a short break" for variety. Use it strategically to enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief silence

Focuses specifically on the absence of sound during the pause.

a short break

Emphasizes the interruption as a temporary respite.

a quick interruption

Highlights the suddenness and brevity of the break.

a passing lull

Suggests a temporary period of reduced activity or intensity.

a fleeting hesitation

Indicates a brief delay or uncertainty before continuing.

a transient cessation

Uses more formal language to describe a temporary stopping.

a temporary suspension

Implies a temporary holding back or stopping of something.

a short-lived intermission

Suggests a planned or structured break in an event or activity.

a split-second delay

Highlights the extremely short duration of the pause.

a fractional respite

Suggests a minimal amount of relief or rest during the pause.

FAQs

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

Use "a momentary pause" to emphasize a point of reflection, tension, or transition in your writing. For example: "After "a momentary pause", she revealed the truth."

What are some alternatives to "a momentary pause"?

You can use alternatives like "a brief silence", "a short break", or "a quick interruption" depending on the specific context.

When is it inappropriate to use "a momentary pause"?

Avoid using "a momentary pause" when describing actions that are continuous or don't involve any interruption. For example, it would be odd to say "the river flowed with "a momentary pause"" unless there was an actual, noticeable interruption in the flow.

What's the difference between "a momentary pause" and "a pregnant pause"?

"A momentary pause" simply describes a short break, while "a pregnant pause" suggests a pause filled with unspoken meaning, anticipation, or tension. The latter implies more emotional weight and significance.