a tentative break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tentative break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temporary or uncertain pause or interruption in a process or activity. Example: "After a long discussion, we decided to take a tentative break to reassess our strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Do they die at the end?' So I had to say," Walsh puts on a tentative, break-it-gently grownup voice, "'Well yes, they do, darling, I suppose, yeah, you could say they do die at the end.' And she said …" Walsh pauses, taking a deep breath in order to convey the full force of her reaction: "'GOOD!'" Childhood, as Roald Dahl knew, is a complicated, unsentimental affair.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In a further, more tentative break with precedent, Mr. Draghi said that monetary policy would be guided by changes in the rate of inflation, the state of the euro zone economy and indicators of the money supply.

The New York Times

But so strong is the impression of someone still anxiously self-censoring that I'd say her criticisms should not be mistaken for a tentative first break away from the discipline of party politics.

The Guardian

The translation: "How old are you?" "Tá mé ocht bliana d'aois," the 8-year-old Brianna said in a tentative whisper before breaking into a wide grin as her teacher smiled and nodded in approval.

The New York Times

Gadd pauses, then breaks into a tentative laugh.

The Guardian

At the same time, the state remains in a fiscal crisis, even though a tentative deal in the Senate could break the long budget impasse.

The New York Times

A tentative dialogue had already started when the police broke up an officially sanctioned student demonstration on Nov. 17, beating many demonstrators and arresting others.

The New York Times

After two decades of mistrust, including a three-year break in diplomatic relations, there had been a tentative fence-mending in recent months.

The Guardian

"Negotiations between the University and the union did not break down; the University and the union reached a tentative agreement," wrote media relations director Althea Blackburn-Evans.

Vice

When news broke that the provincial government had struck a tentative agreement with the Newfoundland Association of Public Employees that included a no-layoff clause, the St . Johns Board of Trade and the NL Employers'sCouncil erupted.

Vice

Since Russia brokered a tentative peace agreement between the two nations in 1994, Azerbajian has broken the ceasefire over 200 times.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tentative break", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the uncertainty or temporality of the break. This could involve specifying the conditions under which the break might end or the reasons why it is not a permanent cessation.

Common error

Avoid treating "a tentative break" as a definite conclusion. Always leave room for the possibility of resuming the activity or process, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tentative break" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tentative break" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a temporary or uncertain pause. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While examples are limited, the phrase is appropriate for a variety of contexts, from formal business to news reporting. When using "a tentative break", ensure the context clearly communicates the reason for the pause's uncertainty or temporality. Consider alternatives like ""a provisional pause"" or ""an uncertain hiatus"" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a provisional pause

Replaces "tentative" with "provisional", emphasizing the temporary nature of the pause.

a hesitant interruption

Substitutes "tentative" with "hesitant", highlighting the uncertainty of the interruption.

a temporary cessation

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal expression indicating a brief halt.

a conditional suspension

Emphasizes that the break is dependent on certain conditions being met.

a trial intermission

Highlights the experimental and temporary nature of the break.

a qualified pause

Indicates that the pause is not absolute but subject to certain qualifications.

an uncertain hiatus

Replaces "break" with "hiatus" and "tentative" with "uncertain" for a more emphatic expression.

a speculative recess

Indicates a break based on speculation or anticipation, rather than certainty.

a short lived interval

Replace tentative with short lived, so the break has the characteristic of lasting short amount of time

an experimental pause

Highlights the exploratory nature of a pause. The break is taken in order to gain more knowledge or insight about the subject.

FAQs

How can "a tentative break" be used in a sentence?

You might say, "After a long discussion, we decided to take "a tentative break" to reassess our strategy" or "The negotiations reached "a tentative break", with both parties agreeing to reconsider their positions".

What are some alternatives to "a tentative break"?

Consider using phrases like "a provisional pause", "a temporary cessation", or "an uncertain hiatus" depending on the context.

Is "a tentative break" formal or informal?

The phrase ""a tentative break"" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language. However, in very formal writing, consider using a more precise term like "a provisional recess".

What does "a tentative break" imply?

"A tentative break" implies a pause or interruption that is not necessarily permanent and might be subject to change or reversal. It suggests a degree of uncertainty or conditionality.