a temporary break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a temporary break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short period of rest or pause from an activity or situation. Example: "After working for several hours straight, I decided to take a temporary break to recharge my energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Aresco looked forward to a temporary break.

The New York Times - Sports

There's the high-cost natural gas tax exemption, originally a temporary break designed to spur production.

The New York Times

The site will also let you take a temporary break from the relationship by letting you deactivate your account.

The New York Times - Tech

But while Okereke's comments suggest a temporary break – recalling bassist Gordon Moakes's "baby hiatus" – Tong's doubts seem to go deeper.

The Guardian - Music

Currently taking a temporary break from the financial industry, Larkin retired from Goldman Sachs as a partner and head of U.S. and international cash sales.

Cornell University

Soft loans and a temporary break from stamp duty, dangled tantalisingly on September 2nd, might tempt a few to take the plunge.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The programmes draw talent from among university students and industry employees, who take a secondment--a temporary break from regular work--while pursuing their degrees.

Science Magazine

However, following a temporary break-down in negotiations after the unilateral release of 25,000 anti-communist Chinese and North Korean prisoners of war by South Korean President Syngman Rhee, the Chinese had renewed large-scale attacks on 24 June.

Wikipedia

It granted me a sort of temporary break from the reality I was in".

The New York Times

A12 A Big Gift and a Big Tax Break Boone Pickens, the often controversial Texas oilman turned investor, took advantage of a temporary tax break to make a gift that propelled him into the ranks of the nation's top philanthropists last year.

The New York Times

Right now, we're poised to spend nearly $1 trillion more on what was supposed to be a temporary tax break for the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional tone. "A temporary break" is generally neutral, but alternatives like "a brief respite" can add a sense of relief or welcome.

Common error

Avoid using "a temporary break" when the intention is to indicate a complete or permanent end. Use terms like "discontinuation" or "termination" instead to convey the intended finality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a temporary break" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence to denote a short-term interruption or cessation. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

14%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a temporary break" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a short-term pause or interruption in an activity or situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely accepted and used in different contexts. Its neutral register makes it versatile for various forms of communication, from news articles to academic papers. Common alternatives include "a short hiatus", "a brief respite", and "a momentary pause". While the phrase is generally straightforward, it's important to avoid using it when referring to something intended to be permanent. With a high source quality score and expert rating, "a temporary break" is a reliable and effective phrase for conveying the concept of a short-term pause.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short hiatus

Emphasizes a planned or expected interruption, often in a creative or professional context.

a brief respite

Highlights the relief and rest provided by the pause.

a momentary pause

Stresses the brevity and transience of the interruption.

a passing lull

Suggests a calm period within a more turbulent situation.

a short interlude

Implies a distinct and often pleasant interruption in an ongoing event.

a fleeting pause

Underscores how quickly the break passes.

a provisional pause

Conveys that the interruption is subject to change or reversal.

a suspension

Focuses on the act of stopping something, with an implication it will resume.

a moratorium

Indicates a formal or official suspension of an activity.

time out

An informal expression for a short break, often used in sports or activities.

FAQs

How can I use "a temporary break" in a sentence?

You can use "a temporary break" to indicate a short pause or interruption in an activity. For example: "The band announced "a temporary break" from touring to work on new material."

What's the difference between "a temporary break" and "a permanent break"?

"A temporary break" implies a short pause with the expectation of resuming, while "a permanent break" indicates a final cessation with no intention of returning.

Which is more formal, "a temporary break" or "time out"?

"A temporary break" is more formal and suitable for professional or academic contexts, whereas "time out" is more informal and appropriate for casual situations.

What are some alternatives to "a temporary break"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a short hiatus", "a brief respite", or "a momentary pause".