a pleasant interlude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pleasant interlude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief, enjoyable period of time that interrupts a longer experience or event. Example: "During the long meeting, we had a pleasant interlude when the team shared funny stories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It was a pleasant interlude".

The Guardian

So began a pleasant interlude involving large dollops of caviar and free-flowing iced vodka aboard Pan Am a mile above the Amazon.

The New York Times

Although Eskelinen's rendition of the Lachrimae pavan provided a pleasant interlude, Freund's voice seemed much better suited to the more recent repertoire.

The Guardian

7), the work of a prodigious teenager, served as a pleasant interlude, but the meat of the program came in the bookends: Mozart's Serenade in C minor (K. 388) and Dvorak's Serenade in D minor (Op. 44).

The New York Times - Arts

Far from being "ghastly" it is a way in which gregarious Americans can share holiday cheer with those of indeterminate faith, or can wish others a pleasant interlude from Christmas to New Year.

The Economist

Aqueduct is to horse racing what Pennsylvania Station is to rail travel: an unsightly gateway to what is supposed to be, but all too often is not, a pleasant interlude.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 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

For a pleasant little interlude, the Mets had a bunch of nice young players like Jay Payton and Melvin Mora and Benny Agbayani, not quite good enough, perhaps, but earnest and appealing.

The New York Times - Sports

Asserting that "security conditions" do not permit her to travel farther, it portrays her -- and 14 supporters traveling with her in two vehicles -- as enjoying a pleasant rural interlude.

The New York Times

It's a pleasant enough interlude — until they're all walking down a leafy Kentucky street chatting and Letterman mock-yells at a guy riding on lawn mower.

HuffPost

Thoughts while whipping the cream for an upside-down cake: "Civilization is a series of moderately pleasant interludes between conquerors".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pleasant interlude" to describe a brief period that offers a contrast to the surrounding circumstances, providing enjoyment or relief. For example, a musical performance during a long conference or a relaxed conversation during a stressful project.

Common error

Avoid using "a pleasant interlude" to describe long or significant periods of time. The phrase implies a brief and temporary deviation from the norm, not a major or lasting change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pleasant interlude" functions as a noun phrase, specifically an adjective phrase modifying the noun "interlude". It acts as a subject complement or an object, depending on the sentence structure. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pleasant interlude" is a noun phrase used to describe a brief, enjoyable break or pause within a larger context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, with numerous examples drawn from reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The New Yorker. The phrase is versatile enough for general use. Remember that it suits News and Media, but less common in Science. When using this expression, ensure that the context aligns with its meaning, depicting a brief, welcome deviation. Consider alternative phrases like "a delightful respite" or "a welcome break" to adjust the nuance as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delightful respite

Replaces 'pleasant interlude' with synonyms emphasizing the enjoyable and restorative nature of the break.

a welcome break

Focuses on the relief and positive reception of the pause.

a brief respite

Similar to 'a delightful respite' but with less emphasis on enjoyment.

an enjoyable pause

More literal and straightforward, highlighting the temporary cessation of activity.

a refreshing pause

Highlights the revitalizing quality of the interlude.

a happy diversion

Emphasizes the change of focus and positive emotional impact.

a short diversion

Focuses on the brief shift away from something.

a sweet escape

Suggests a temporary removal from unpleasantness or routine.

a moment of bliss

Highlights the extreme happiness and perfectness of the moment.

a temporary reprieve

Implies a temporary relief from a difficult situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pleasant interlude" to describe a short, enjoyable period that interrupts something else. For example, "The garden provided "a pleasant interlude" during the busy day".

What are some synonyms for "a pleasant interlude"?

Alternatives include "a delightful respite", "a welcome break", or "an enjoyable pause", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a pleasant interlude" formal or informal?

"A pleasant interlude" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal, suitable for both writing and conversation, especially when describing experiences or events. It's more formal than a simple "nice break" but less so than terms like "auspicious occasion".

What's the difference between "a pleasant interlude" and "a short break"?

"A short break" is a general term for any brief pause, while ""a pleasant interlude"" specifically implies that the break was enjoyable or positive in some way. The latter carries a stronger connotation of positive experience.