a quiet spell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quiet spell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a period of calmness or tranquility, often in the context of time or events. Example: "After a hectic week, I finally enjoyed a quiet spell at home, free from distractions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The game is going through a quiet spell incidentally.

The Guardian - Sport

FOLLOWING a quiet spell, Britain's war on drugs seems to be heating up.

The Economist

"Time Stands Still" weaves a quiet spell of moment-to-moment truth, but the jolts of heightened drama spring at you with unnerving ferocity.

The New York Times

A breeze cast a quiet spell over the crowd gathered outdoors at the Hispanic Society of America on Audubon Terrace in Upper Manhattan.

The New York Times - Arts

The Brazilian is working hard in an attempt to retain his title as champion jockey but is going through a quiet spell and couldn't get a winner here.

The Guardian - Sport

A mere win against the Faroe Islands cannot vindicate the manager, but it would allow him a quiet spell in which to regroup and assert his authority once again.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

People who arrive at 2 P.M. often find a quieter spell, but perhaps the best time is between 5 and 7 P.M. when most of the day people have left and the late visitors have yet to arrive.

The New York Times - Travel

Perhaps we are now due a quieter spell: Corbyn's off on holiday, David Cameron's off to the Nato summit, and the Tory leadership contenders are off to win over the members.

The Guardian

After what has seemed like a relentless period of unsettled weather stretching back to the end of March, it's nice to be able to report that a quieter spell of weather seems likely next week - although talk of an 'Indian Summer', for our region at least, is a little far-fetched.

BBC

Angelina Jolie in Maleficent Hollywood's most formidable leading lady is back after a relatively quiet spell, in a role playing on her scariness and seniority.

The Guardian

Meditation is an attempt to keep the wild horse that is our mind from distraction for just a tiny, quiet spell in hopes that we can saddle up and ride it to its full potential.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a quiet spell" to describe a temporary decrease in activity, intensity, or noise. It's particularly effective in contexts where the preceding or following period is more eventful or turbulent.

Common error

Avoid using "a quiet spell" to describe permanent states or conditions. This phrase implies a temporary deviation from a more active or intense norm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quiet spell" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a period of reduced activity or intensity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

30%

General

15%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quiet spell" is a noun phrase used to describe a temporary period of reduced activity or intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and sports reporting. The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal communication and can be replaced with alternatives like "a calm period" or "a lull in activity" to add variety to your writing. When using this phrase, ensure you're referring to a temporary state, as it implies a deviation from a more active or intense norm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a calm period

Replaces "quiet" with "calm", focusing on tranquility.

a peaceful interlude

Substitutes "spell" with "interlude", emphasizing a temporary break.

a lull in activity

Uses "lull" to denote a temporary pause or reduction in activity.

a period of inactivity

Focuses on the lack of activity during the time.

a dormant phase

Emphasizes a state of being inactive or suspended.

a still moment

Highlights the stillness and lack of disturbance.

a serene interval

Replaces "quiet" with "serene", adding a sense of peace.

a tranquil stretch

Uses "tranquil" to convey a sense of calmness and peace over a period.

a silent patch

Highlights the absence of noise or communication.

a pause in the action

Focuses on the interruption of ongoing events.

FAQs

How can I use "a quiet spell" in a sentence?

"A quiet spell" is used to describe a temporary period of calm or inactivity. For example, "After a hectic week at work, I enjoyed "a quiet spell" at home.".

What's an alternative to saying "a quiet spell"?

Alternatives include "a calm period", "a lull in activity", or "a peaceful interlude". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a quiet spell" formal or informal?

"A quiet spell" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage is widespread in news articles, sports commentary, and general conversation.

Can "a quiet spell" describe a person's personality?

No, "a quiet spell" typically describes periods of time or situations, not personal characteristics. To describe a person, you might use adjectives like "calm", "reserved", or "introverted".