a time out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a short break or pause, often in the context of discipline or taking a moment to calm down. Example: "After the argument, I decided to take a time out to collect my thoughts before continuing the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

You get a time out!

Huffington Post

And you get a time out!

Huffington Post

A TIME OUT 0.2 will follow soon.

Vice

I had to give myself a time out recently.

HuffPost

Have a time out area ready.

WikiHow

We have a time out.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

I yelled for a time-out.

The New Yorker

Maz called a time-out.

The New Yorker

"Let's take a time-out.

The New Yorker

Miami just called a time-out.

The Guardian - Sport

It's time for a time-out.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure context clarifies whether you are referring to a disciplinary action for a child, a strategic break in sports or a personal moment of mental rest.

Common error

Avoid using "a time out" when you mean the technical verb phrase "to time out" (where a process fails due to a clock expiring). For instance, write "The session timed out" rather than "The session had a time out" if referring to a computer system failure.

How to use

Learn how to use "a time out" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

Grammatically, "a time out" serves as a noun phrase consisting of an indefinite article and a compound noun. In Ludwig AI examples, it typically functions as the direct object of verbs like "take", "call", "give" or "have". It acts as a countable unit of time or space designated for cessation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

40%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "a time out" is a highly versatile and correct English phrase used to denote a strategic or disciplinary pause. Ludwig AI indicates it is frequently utilized across a spectrum of sources, from high-authority news like The New Yorker to practical guides on WikiHow. Whether it is used in a sports context (calling a timeout), a parenting context (giving a child a time out) or a personal context (taking a time out for mental health), the phrase remains a stable and essential part of the modern lexicon. Writers should feel confident using it, though they should consider hyphenation ("time-out") when using it as a compound modifier.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a timeout

the single-word variant, standard in sports and computing contexts

a break

most general term for a pause in activity

a pause

implies a shorter, temporary cessation of action

a cooling-off period

specifically refers to a break taken to reduce emotional tension

a breather

more informal, emphasizing recovery from physical or mental effort

a respite

suggests a welcome rest from something difficult or unpleasant

an intermission

refers to a structured break between parts of a performance or event

a moment of reflection

emphasizes the mental purpose of the pause

a hiatus

implies a more significant or long-term gap in a sequence

a suspension

more formal, often used in administrative or sports disciplinary contexts

FAQs

How do I use "a time out" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a necessary break, such as: "After the long meeting, the team needed "a time out" to recharge."

What is the difference between "a time out" and "a break"?

While "a break" is a general term for stopping, "a time out" often implies a pause intended for discipline, cooling down or strategic planning.

Is it "a time out" or "a timeout"?

Both are acceptable. The two-word or hyphenated version is common in general writing, while the single word "timeout" is standard in sports and technology.

What can I say instead of "a time out" for a child?

Depending on your parenting style, you might use "a cooling-off period" or "a moment of reflection".