a quick breather

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quick breather" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a short break or pause, often to rest or regain energy. Example: "After running for an hour, I decided to take a quick breather before continuing my workout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"New orders for durable goods have taken a quick breather after a yearlong sprint," he said.

The New York Times

"It's like we're taking a quick breather before the home stretch".

The Guardian - Film

The stadium's only about half full, mind, as the spectators take a quick breather following Del Potro's victory.

The Guardian - Sport

But what may look like a swing of fortunes is more likely a quick breather, and Austria's elections on Sunday showed why.

The Washington Post

The stadium is only about half full at the moment, though, as the spectators take a quick breather following Verdasco's win.

The Guardian - Sport

7.36pm BST A quick breather, and time, ladies and gentlemen, for the latest leader board, which has seen a few changes of late.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

And, after that quick breather, Villa almost bag a second.

BBC

Actually, having given the matter some thought, I think I'm going to take a leaf out of Andi's book - if I could just direct your attention to the byline of this article while I go for another quick breather.

The Guardian - Sport

Whether it's a workout, a quick duck-out for a breather or a chat with a trusted pal, find ways to distract yourself temporarily and rejuvenate.

WikiHow

"A lot of people seem to relax a little bit and take a breather real quick before they get into their kick," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

But his tempo changed with the advent of Moeen, who, according to the naive in the press box had been summoned into the attack by Cook to allow the quicker bowlers a breather before the enforcement of the follow-on.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a quick breather" when you want to convey a brief and often necessary pause from an activity or situation. It suggests a short moment to rest or recover before continuing.

Common error

While "a quick breather" is widely understood, it may sound too informal for highly professional or academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "a brief respite" or "a short intermission" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

A quick breather functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'take a quick breather') or as a subject complement. Ludwig examples show it denoting a brief period of rest or pause from activity. According to Ludwig AI it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a quick breather" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a short pause or rest. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. While versatile, its informal tone may not always be suitable for highly formal or academic contexts. Its primary function is to suggest a temporary cessation of activity for rest or recovery. Based on the examples gathered by Ludwig, this phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media, with less common usage in more formal settings. Consider using more formal terms such as "a brief respite" in professional or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short pause

Replaces 'breather' with 'pause', focusing on the momentary cessation of activity.

a brief rest

Substitutes 'breather' with 'rest', emphasizing the recuperative aspect of the pause.

a moment of respite

Uses 'respite' to highlight the relief provided by the break, adding a slightly more formal tone.

a short break

Offers a more general alternative, suitable for various contexts.

a fleeting pause

Emphasizes the brevity of the break.

a momentary lull

Focuses on the temporary nature of the break in activity.

a brief hiatus

Introduces a more formal term for a temporary interruption.

a snatch of rest

Emphasizes the hurried or opportunistic nature of the break.

a wink of sleep

Metaphorically represents a very short rest, implying minimal interruption.

time out

Informal term indicating a temporary suspension of activity.

FAQs

What does "a quick breather" mean?

The phrase "a quick breather" refers to a short break or pause taken to rest or recover before continuing an activity or task. It implies a brief moment of respite.

How can I use "a quick breather" in a sentence?

You can use "a quick breather" to describe taking a short break, such as, "After the intense workout, I needed "a quick breather" before starting the next set."

What are some alternatives to saying "a quick breather"?

Alternatives to "a quick breather" include "a short pause", "a brief rest", or "a moment of respite". These phrases offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality.

Is "a quick breather" appropriate for formal writing?

While acceptable, "a quick breather" might be considered too informal for certain formal contexts. In those situations, consider using alternatives like "a brief intermission" or "a short recess" for a more professional tone.