a welcome break

USAGE SUMMARY

"a welcome break" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a period of rest or a pause from a task or activity that may be enjoyable or beneficial. For example, "The cool breeze was a welcome break from the heat of the summer day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a welcome break from school.

The New York Times - Magazine

The boat ride was a welcome break.

The Washington Post

A welcome break from the 1980s.

The Guardian

But in truth, she said, "It was a welcome break".

The New York Times - Sports

This place is a welcome break from cliched Caribbean resorts.

The Guardian - Travel

For producers, the new discussions would be a welcome break.

The New York Times

It was a welcome break, but not without stress.

The New Yorker

Tell us, was their performance a welcome break from the usual Oscar fare?

The New York Times

A welcome break arrives via the author's sharp critique of the marriage guru John Gottman.

The New York Times - Books

And for the organizers, the happenings are a welcome break from the grind.

The New York Times - Food

That is a welcome break from the dictatorial days of Mr Suharto.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a welcome break" to signal a positive shift or temporary relief from a challenging or monotonous situation. It can apply to anything from a vacation to a short pause during a busy day.

Common error

While "a welcome break" is a useful phrase, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a refreshing pause" or "a delightful respite" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a welcome break" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability. For example, "The vacation was a welcome break from the pressures of work."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a welcome break" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that expresses positive relief from a demanding situation. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media sources and maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using this phrase, consider varying your language with synonyms such as "a refreshing pause" or "a delightful respite" to enhance reader engagement and avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a refreshing pause

Focuses on the revitalizing aspect of the break.

a delightful respite

Emphasizes the pleasant and enjoyable nature of the break.

a relieving interval

Highlights the sense of ease and reduction of stress during the break.

a pleasant change of pace

Focuses on the difference from the usual routine that makes the break enjoyable.

a fortunate lull

Suggests a temporary cessation of something negative, which is beneficial.

a beneficial interlude

Emphasizes the positive impact and advantages gained during the break.

a comforting pause

Highlights the calming and reassuring nature of the break.

a gratifying recess

Indicates that the break is fulfilling and satisfying.

an appreciated breather

Focuses on the feeling of being able to breathe easily and relax.

a positive diversion

Implies that the break is something that distracts from something unpleasant in a helpful way.

FAQs

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

You can use "a welcome break" to describe something that provides relief or a positive change from a difficult or monotonous situation. For instance, "The vacation was "a welcome break" from the stress of work."

What are some alternatives to "a welcome break"?

Some alternatives include "a refreshing pause", "a delightful respite", or "a pleasant change of pace", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to include the article "a" before "welcome break"?

Yes, the phrase is typically used with the indefinite article "a" because it refers to a single instance of a break. Omitting "a" would be grammatically incorrect in most contexts.

What's the difference between "a welcome break" and "a welcome interruption"?

"A welcome break" implies a planned or expected period of relief. "A welcome interruption", on the other hand, suggests an unexpected but positive disruption of something.