a temporary recess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a temporary recess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short break or pause in an event, meeting, or activity. Example: "The committee decided to take a temporary recess to allow members to gather their thoughts before continuing the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

President Obama had granted Mr. Bryza a temporary recess appointment in 2010.

The New York Times

Despite sustained heckling from far-right legislators that compelled parliamentary leaders to call a temporary recess, the measure was approved by a healthy 117-to-53 margin.

The New York Times

While the Senate was investigating his qualifications, Mr. Obama circumvented Congress by giving Dr. Berwick a temporary recess appointment, a shortcut that infuriated Republicans and irked some Democrats.

The New York Times - Health

In January, when the White House chose Ms. White for the S.E.C. job, it also reappointed Mr. Cordray to a position he had held for a year under a temporary recess appointment.

The New York Times

In January, when the White House nominated Ms. White to the S.E.C. spot, it reappointed Mr. Cordray to a position he has held for the last year under a temporary recess appointment.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama also renominated Richard Cordray as the director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a position he has held for the last year under a temporary recess appointment without Senate approval.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

His temporary recess appointment was due to expire at the end of the year.

The New York Times - Health

The New Yorker, June 17 , 1933P. 8 During the temporary recess of the Group Theatre, some of its members found refuge with the enemy, commercial theatre.

The New Yorker

By Robert A. Simon and James Thurber The New Yorker, June 17 , 1933P. 8 During the temporary recess of the Group Theatre, some of its members found refuge with the enemy, commercial theatre.

The New Yorker

On the one hand, they said, Republicans maintain that both houses of Congress are in session, so the president should not fill vacant positions by making temporary "recess appointments".

The New York Times

"Here are the facts: The Constitution gives the President the authority to make temporary recess appointments to fill vacant positions when the Senate is in recess, a power all recent Presidents have exercised," Pfeiffer wrote on the White House Blog.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on parliamentary or congressional procedures, use "a temporary recess" to accurately describe brief breaks in sessions, particularly when the reason for the break is significant, such as a protest or procedural dispute.

Common error

Avoid using "a temporary recess" if the break is expected to be lengthy or indefinite. A more suitable term would be "adjournment" or "suspension" if the resumption time is uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a temporary recess" functions as a noun phrase, where "temporary" modifies the noun "recess". It typically describes a short, planned or unplanned, interruption in an activity or proceeding. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in formal contexts like legislative sessions and official appointments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a temporary recess" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English that describes a short break or pause, particularly in formal settings such as legislative or business environments. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and provides examples from authoritative sources like the New York Times and Huffington Post. While not extremely common, its use is appropriate and often found in news reporting and summaries of official proceedings. When a more general term is needed, consider using alternatives like "a short break" or "a brief pause". Understanding the context and formality level ensures proper usage of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief pause

Replaces "recess" with "pause" and "temporary" with "brief", emphasizing a short interruption.

a short break

Substitutes "recess" with "break", indicating a brief interruption in activity.

a momentary suspension

Uses "suspension" instead of "recess", suggesting a temporary halt.

a transient interruption

Replaces "temporary" with "transient" and "recess" with "interruption", highlighting a fleeting disruption.

a fleeting respite

Substitutes the whole expression with "fleeting respite", suggesting a short period of relief.

a short intermission

Uses "intermission" instead of "recess", suitable for events like performances or meetings.

a provisional halt

Replaces "temporary" with "provisional" and "recess" with "halt", emphasizing a conditional stop.

a passing lull

Employs "passing lull" to convey a brief period of quiet or inactivity.

a short adjournment

Substitutes "recess" with "adjournment", suggesting a formal temporary break.

a limited moratorium

Replaces "temporary" with "limited" and "recess" with "moratorium", indicating a temporary prohibition or suspension.

FAQs

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

You can use "a temporary recess" to describe a short break in a meeting, a parliamentary session, or any ongoing activity. For example, "The meeting was called into "a temporary recess" due to a fire alarm."

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

"A temporary recess" typically implies a more formal setting, like a legislative body or a formal meeting, whereas "a short break" is more general and can apply to any situation where a brief pause is taken.

What can I say instead of "a temporary recess"?

You can use alternatives like "a brief pause", "a short intermission", or "a momentary suspension" depending on the context.

Is "a temporary recess" appropriate for informal situations?

While grammatically correct, ""a temporary recess"" is more suited for formal contexts. In informal situations, phrases like "a short break" or "a quick pause" are more appropriate.