a pause for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pause for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a moment of interruption or a break in an activity or conversation, often to reflect or consider something. Example: "Let's take a moment for a pause for thought before we make our final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A pause, for effect.

The Guardian

A pause, for emphasis.

The Guardian

"Shawnie!" A pause for listening.

The New Yorker

"And?" A pause for dramatics.

The New Yorker

The match was a pause for relaxation.

The Guardian - Sport

7.33pm: There's barely a pause for breath.

The Guardian - Music

After a pause for effect, he repeated Ezra Malakov's words.

The New Yorker

"We're probably in a pause for the next few months".

The New York Times - Arts

No harm in that: a pause for reflection may help.

The Economist

"I hope to have a pause for a drink also.

Independent

When every comma was a pause for meaning,.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pause for", ensure the reason for the pause is clear to the reader. This adds clarity and purpose to the break in the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "a pause for" too frequently, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Vary your sentence structure and use alternative phrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pause for" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or an adverbial phrase. It indicates a temporary cessation or interruption intended to facilitate a specific action or state, such as reflection or consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pause for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It typically functions to indicate a deliberate interruption for a specific purpose, such as reflection or emphasis. Its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for diverse forms of communication, including news articles, business documents, and academic papers. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and maintain variety in phrasing to enhance reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a break to

This alternative suggests a short interruption for a specific action.

a moment for

This emphasizes a brief period dedicated to something.

an interval for

This refers to a space of time between events or activities.

a respite for

This indicates a short period of rest or relief from something difficult.

a lull for

This conveys a temporary period of calm or quiet.

a suspension for

This suggests a temporary halting of an activity.

a temporary cessation for

This indicates a formal and temporary stop.

a break in order to

This explicitly states the purpose of the break.

an interruption for

This highlights the act of being stopped briefly.

a recess to

This conveys a formal or scheduled break.

FAQs

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

Use "a pause for" to indicate a moment of interruption or a break in activity, often to introduce reflection or consideration. For example, "There was "a pause for effect" before he delivered the punchline."

What are some alternatives to "a pause for"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a moment for", "a break for", or "an interval for" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to start a sentence with "a pause for"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "a pause for" might sound slightly awkward. It's generally better to incorporate it within the sentence for smoother flow. For example, instead of "A pause for reflection. Then he spoke", try "After "a pause for reflection", he spoke."

What is the difference between "a pause for" and "a break for"?

"A pause for" typically suggests a brief interruption, often for thought or emphasis, whereas "a break for" implies a longer, more substantial interruption for rest or a different activity.