a timeout while

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a timeout while" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to a pause or break during an activity or process. Example: "We need to take a timeout while we discuss the next steps in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

There was a timeout while Mr. Root took a call from ESPN about that evening's Eagles-Cowboys game.

The New York Times

Childs had a legitimate beef in that he was calling a timeout while falling to the ground with the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

These were common-sense moves — a timeout while a presidential commission figured out why the disaster occurred and recommended ways to prevent future calamities.

The New York Times

After Johnson's 8-footer put the Hawks ahead, 100-96, with 20.6 seconds remaining, Brooks signaled for a timeout while trying to make an inbounds pass.

The New York Times - Sports

He waited more than 10 minutes to call a timeout while Cleveland State raced to a double-digit first-half lead.

The New York Times - Sports

And the sight of Testaverde disgustedly burning a timeout while the play clock wound down became nearly routine this season, a result of a wordy offense in its growing stages.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Holloway, with his team trailing by 72-69 with five seconds left in regulation, calmly made three free throws — the last after a Kansas State timeout — while barely grazing the rim.

The New York Times - Sports

"We had a very, very cordial and professional meeting". "So Trump attacks our dreamers, and the next day the Democrats walk in there and say, 'Oh, let's just have a nice timeout,' while they're all suffering?" said Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-Ill.).

The Washington Post

Every once in a while, James calls a timeout to update the Emma angle, then turns with relief back to comfortable old homicide.

The New York Times - Books

Some players expected a timeout to be called, while others ran down the floor.

The New York Times - Sports

The Lakers took a 20-second timeout while trainer Gary Vitti examined Worthy.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a timeout while" to clearly indicate a temporary pause or break in an activity, ensuring that the context explains what happens during this pause. For example, "The company announced a timeout while it reassesses its marketing strategy".

Common error

Avoid using "a timeout while" when describing continuous, uninterrupted actions. This phrase implies a cessation or break, not ongoing activity. For instance, instead of saying "The engine ran a timeout while the car was moving", specify when a pause or check occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a timeout while" functions as a conjunctional phrase, linking a temporary cessation to an ongoing event or process. Ludwig's analysis confirms its role in creating a temporal relationship between the pause and the activity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a timeout while" serves as a conjunctional phrase, signifying a temporary break or pause during an activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and most common in news, sports, and formal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a cessation, not a continuous action, and that the context makes clear what occurs during this pause. Alternatives like "a break during" or "a pause when" can be considered for subtle variations in meaning. While versatile, mindful application will ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a break during

Replaces "timeout" with "break", focusing on a temporary interruption.

a pause when

Substitutes "timeout" with "pause" and "while" with "when", changing the conjunction.

an intermission as

Uses "intermission" to denote a longer break, and "as" instead of "while".

a recess during

Replaces "timeout" with "recess", implying a formal break.

a suspension as

Emphasizes a temporary halt, using "suspension" instead of "timeout".

a temporary cessation when

More formal and emphasizes the temporary nature of the break.

a hiatus before

Indicates a gap or interruption before something else happens.

a lull while

Suggests a quiet or inactive period during an activity.

a gap while

Highlights a space or interval during an activity.

a delay when

Focuses on the aspect of postponement or slowing down.

FAQs

How can I use "a timeout while" in a sentence?

Use "a timeout while" to indicate a temporary break or pause during an activity. For example, "The negotiations entered "a timeout while" both sides reconsidered their positions".

What are some alternatives to saying "a timeout while"?

You can use alternatives such as "a break during", "a pause when", or "an intermission as", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a timeout while" and "a break during"?

While both phrases indicate a pause, "a timeout while" often implies a more strategic or deliberate interruption, whereas "a break during" suggests a more general cessation. The best choice depends on the situation and intended meaning.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a timeout while"?

Avoid using "a timeout while" when describing actions that are continuous and without interruption. This phrase suggests a pause or break, so it is unsuitable for ongoing activities without any cessation.