a pregnant pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pregnant pause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a moment of silence that is filled with meaning or anticipation, often before an important statement or revelation. Example: "As she contemplated her next words, there was a pregnant pause that left the audience hanging on her every breath."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

There is a pregnant pause.

The Guardian - Music

There was no treatment.' A pregnant pause.

The Guardian - Arts

A pregnant pause filled more than a few miles.

The New Yorker

After a pregnant pause, Mr. Berger broke into a sly smile.

The New York Times

After a pregnant pause, Adam arrived with flowers and presented them amid cheers from his classmates.

The New York Times

Sorry for the mistake.In this section A pregnant pause A fertile future?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

A stylist asks one customer, "So, Never Listens to Women, what'll it be today?" There is a deliciously pregnant pause and the man replies, with a perfectly blank look, "What?" (The actor delivering that single word with just the right denseness ought to win a Clio Award for Best Shortest Performance in a Commercial).

The New York Times

After a decidedly pregnant pause, she added, "It's wonderful!" Still, if there's a standard at all today it's partner.

The New York Times

We're back in 1920s Berlin, where a heavily pregnant pause showcases the Dame's heavy breathing before Mick Ronson's screaming solo kicks in.

The Guardian - Music

There is a long, pregnant pause.

Huffington Post

A very pregnant pause: San Diego waits to see if Bai Yun the panda is expecting.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pregnant pause" to create suspense or emphasize a point before delivering crucial information.

Common error

Avoid using "a pregnant pause" when a simple silence is intended; ensure the pause carries significant meaning or anticipation for it to be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pregnant pause" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of silence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this silence is not empty but rather charged with meaning and anticipation. The examples show it commonly precedes significant statements or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Arts

15%

Sport

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pregnant pause" is a noun phrase that denotes a silence brimming with anticipation or unspoken meaning. Grammatically sound and very common, according to Ludwig AI, it serves to create suspense or emphasize the significance of what's to follow. While versatile enough for diverse settings, it finds frequent use in News & Media sources. To ensure proper usage, remember that the pause must convey more than just emptiness; it should suggest a loaded or expectant atmosphere. Consider using alternatives such as "a meaningful silence" or "a loaded silence" to fine-tune your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meaningful silence

Replaces "pregnant" with "meaningful", emphasizing the depth of the silence.

a loaded silence

Substitutes "pregnant" with "loaded", highlighting the tension or unspoken content within the silence.

a significant pause

Uses "significant" instead of "pregnant", focusing on the importance of the pause.

an expectant silence

Replaces "pregnant" with "expectant", emphasizing the anticipation the silence creates.

a telling silence

Uses "telling" to underscore the expressiveness conveyed by the absence of sound.

a weighty silence

Highlights the heaviness and importance attributed to the quiet moment.

a dramatic pause

Emphasizes the theatrical or impactful nature of the silence.

a palpable silence

Stresses the tangible or noticeable quality of the silence.

a silence thick with anticipation

Expands on the original phrase to explicitly mention anticipation.

a silence that spoke volumes

Shifts the focus to the communicative power of the silence.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a pregnant pause" in my writing?

Employ "a pregnant pause" to build suspense, create anticipation, or emphasize a key point just before a character speaks or a revelation occurs. It's most effective when the silence feels loaded with unspoken meaning.

What are some alternatives to "a pregnant pause"?

You can use alternatives like "a meaningful silence", "a loaded silence", or "a significant pause" to convey a similar sense of anticipation or unspoken meaning.

Is "a pregnant pause" considered formal or informal language?

The phrase "a pregnant pause" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently used in news articles, literature, and everyday conversations to create a sense of drama or anticipation.

What does "a pregnant pause" typically signify in a conversation or narrative?

A "pregnant pause" usually signifies a moment of deep contemplation, unspoken tension, or anticipation. It implies that the silence is filled with unspoken meaning or that something important is about to be revealed.