a peaceful interlude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a peaceful interlude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief period of calm or tranquility, often amidst chaos or busyness. Example: "After a hectic week, I enjoyed a peaceful interlude by the lake, listening to the gentle sounds of nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

At long last, though, the former prodigy thinks he has discovered a peaceful interlude.

The New York Times - Sports

Some call it a blight, but it is also a peaceful interlude in the area, a sort of architectural preserve.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A group of black men drew around his fire, after dinner, & played music on primitive instruments--a peaceful, pleasant interlude.

The New Yorker

Dr. Eddy called the peaceful interlude the Maunder Minimum, after E. W. Maunder, an English scientist who, along with a German, Gustav Spörer, first noted the presumed anomaly in the 1890s.

The New York Times

Although John Foster Dulles, the United States Secretary of State recommended on 24 October for the United Nations Security Council to convene to discuss the situation in Hungary, little immediate action was taken to introduce a resolution, in part because other world events unfolded the day after the peaceful interlude started, when allied collusion started the Suez Crisis.

Wikipedia

That peaceful interlude didn't last long, though.

Vice

[Science] was [Kuhn wrote] "a series of peaceful interludes punctuated by intellectually violent revolutions".

The New Yorker

Kuhn said that major advancements in science are not really evolutionary at all, but instead they are "a series of peaceful interludes punctuated by intellectually violent revolutions" where then "one conceptual world view is replaced by another".

Huffington Post

In the peaceful interludes the plant turned out fleets of Ford Escorts, a popular family car.The plant is now part of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), owned by Tata Motors, the car division of an Indian conglomerate.

The Economist

In the peaceful interludes, the jungle closes in on the river.

The New York Times - Travel

The training was intensive, frequently brutal and often dangerous, but there were peaceful interludes – Cyril and some of his friends became expert at dynamiting salmon from a nearby river, using a small explosive charge which would stun the fish but not damage them enough to affect their value.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a peaceful interlude" to describe a temporary break from activity, stress, or conflict, emphasizing the calmness and tranquility experienced during that period. This phrase can add a touch of elegance to your writing when you want to highlight a moment of serenity amidst chaos.

Common error

Avoid using "a peaceful interlude" excessively in scientific or highly technical writing. While not grammatically incorrect, its somewhat lyrical tone may sound out of place in contexts demanding strict objectivity and precision. In those cases, use alternatives that highlight the temporary pause more neutrally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a peaceful interlude" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "peaceful" modifies the noun "interlude". According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English, denoting a brief period of calm.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a peaceful interlude" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a temporary period of calm. As indicated by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English, though its frequency is relatively low. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's best to reserve it for situations where you want to emphasize the tranquility experienced during a temporary pause or break. While elegant, it should be used sparingly in highly formal or technical contexts where a more neutral term might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tranquil moment

Focuses on the quality of calmness and quietness, omitting the 'temporary' aspect.

a serene pause

Emphasizes the calmness and deliberate interruption of activity.

a quiet respite

Highlights the relief and rest provided during the break.

a momentary peace

Stresses the brief duration and lack of disturbance.

a brief tranquility

Combines shortness in time with a high degree of peacefulness.

a calming break

Highlights the relaxing effect of the pause.

a restful interval

Implies a break focused on providing rest and relaxation.

a placid spell

Suggests a period of calm weather or situation, but can apply metaphorically.

a halcyon moment

Evokes an idealized, idyllic period of peace and tranquility.

a welcome lull

Highlights the positive reception and the sense of relief during a temporary pause.

FAQs

How can I use "a peaceful interlude" in a sentence?

You can use "a peaceful interlude" to describe a brief period of calm or tranquility amidst a busy or chaotic situation. For instance: "After a hectic week, I enjoyed "a peaceful interlude" by the lake."

What phrases are similar to "a peaceful interlude"?

Similar phrases include "a tranquil moment", "a serene pause", or "a quiet respite". These alternatives also convey a sense of calm and temporary relief.

Is it correct to say "a peace interlude" instead of "a peaceful interlude"?

No, it is not correct. The adjective "peaceful" correctly modifies the noun "interlude", indicating a period characterized by peace. "Peace" is a noun and doesn't function as an adjective in this context.

What is the difference between "a peaceful interlude" and "a brief escape"?

"A peaceful interlude" specifically highlights the tranquility experienced during a break, while "a brief escape" emphasizes the act of getting away from something unpleasant. Although related, the focus is different.