a significant change of pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant change of pace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a noticeable shift in the speed or style of an activity or situation, often implying a refreshing or surprising difference. Example: "After months of working on the same project, the new assignment was a significant change of pace that revitalized my enthusiasm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Her latest work marks a significant change of pace.

The Economist

That would have been only 16,000 homes a year but would have been a significant change of pace from the low thousands now.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Kurzweil's talk in Philadelphia was a significant change of pace for last week's two-day conference, sponsored by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

The New York Times

Just think about it like this: if the government is going to try to shift some people out of indefinite detention, this is obviously a significant change of pace in the story the government likes to tell about border protection, particularly in a febrile environment where parliamentarians think it's a political plus to declare refugees are not welcome in this country.

The Guardian

His new film, "The Lady and the Duke," promises to be the most expansive reconstruction of the era ever undertaken, a significant change of pace for a filmmaker famous for intimate romantic, philosophical dramas like "Claire's Knee" and "An Autumn Tale".

The New York Times

He called it "a significant change of pace" for a country which last month was ranked second worst in Europe for action on climate change by the Climate Action Network, a network of environmental NGOs. .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Pacing did not affect a significant change in Iss current density in wild-type myocytes (2.7 ± 0.1 pA/pF after pacing; Fig. 8, A and C).

American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology

Short-term pacing resulted in a significant reduction in connexin43 mRNA abundance, a partial redistribution of connexin43 from the sarcolemma to a non-sarcolemmal fraction, and accumulation of ubiquitinated connexin43 without a significant change in overall connexin43 protein levels.

BMC Physiology

Make a significant change.

WikiHow

It was not the kind of talent that the show presented often back in the '80s, but I wanted them to know that Prince was, all by himself, a significant "movement" in the music scene, a great change-of-pace, a keeping-up-with-the-times booking for the show.

Huffington Post

I'm a good change-of-pace guy.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant change of pace" to highlight a deliberate alteration in strategy, approach, or routine. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the contrast between the previous state and the new one.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant change of pace" for minor adjustments. This phrase is best reserved for instances where the alteration is substantial and has a noticeable impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant change of pace" functions as a noun phrase that describes a noticeable alteration in the rhythm, speed, or method of doing something. As shown in Ludwig, it often implies a welcome or necessary deviation from a previous routine or state.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

23%

Science

17%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant change of pace" is a useful phrase for describing a noteworthy shift in activity or routine. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility. While not extremely common, it is widely understood and appropriate for a neutral register. Remember to reserve it for instances where the alteration is substantial and impactful. Consider alternatives like "a marked shift" or "a notable departure" when a slightly different emphasis is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a marked shift

Focuses on the degree of change rather than the specific aspect of 'pace'.

a considerable alteration

Emphasizes the degree of modification or adjustment made.

a notable departure

Highlights the act of moving away from the norm or usual course.

a substantial deviation

Stresses the act of straying from a standard or expected path.

a major transformation

Indicates a fundamental and comprehensive change.

a sea change

Suggests a profound and comprehensive transformation, often on a large scale.

a radical alteration

Emphasizes that the change is fundamental and far-reaching.

a dramatic shift

Highlights the sudden and striking nature of the change.

a complete turnaround

Implies a reversal of direction or policy.

a fundamental change

Highlights that the change is basic and affects essential aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "a significant change of pace" in a sentence?

You can use "a significant change of pace" to describe a situation where there is a noticeable shift in the speed or style of an activity. For example, "After months of intense work, the vacation was "a significant change of pace"."

What are some alternatives to "a significant change of pace"?

Alternatives include "a marked shift", "a considerable alteration", or "a notable departure". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a significant change of pace" in formal writing?

Yes, "a significant change of pace" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely used in reputable sources. However, consider the specific context and whether a more precise term might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a significant change of pace" and "a change of pace"?

"A significant change of pace" emphasizes that the shift is substantial and noteworthy. "A change of pace", on the other hand, simply indicates that there has been some alteration, without necessarily implying that it is a large or important one.