after a brief pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "after a brief pause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a short interruption or delay before continuing with a statement or action. Example: "She took a deep breath, after a brief pause, she continued her speech with renewed confidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

AFTER a brief pause for the recession, America's banks are back to their favourite pastime: buying each other.

The Economist

After a brief pause, the cage descends.

The New Yorker

After a brief pause, the trader responds: "Done.

The New York Times

Then after a brief pause he slammed the door.

The New Yorker

Instead, both - after a brief pause - walked off".

The Guardian

"Constitutional rights!" he shouted, after a brief pause.

The Guardian

After a brief pause, the five-minute sequence starts again.

The New Yorker

"Of families," he explained, after a brief pause.

The New York Times

After a brief pause, she continued: "Y'all keep me empowered.

The Guardian

After a brief pause, Mr. Gillerman said, slowly, "Not yet".

The New York Times

After a brief pause, "Redwood Park (Part II)" began, in silence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "after a brief pause" to create a sense of anticipation or to signal a shift in thought or action. It works well in narratives or when describing events unfolding in sequence.

Common error

Avoid using "after a brief pause" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and disrupt the flow. Consider using synonyms or varying your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after a brief pause" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically acting as an adverbial modifier. It indicates the timing of an action or event in relation to a short break. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "after a brief pause" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed prepositional phrase, functioning as an adverbial modifier to indicate the timing of an event following a short interruption. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to signal the continuation of something after a temporary stop. It is predominantly used in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While "after a brief pause" is versatile, avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity and flow. Consider synonyms like "following a short interlude" to introduce variety. Ludwig AI provides a comprehensive set of examples to illustrate its correct usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following a slight hesitation

Emphasizes the uncertainty or reluctance implied in the pause.

following a momentary interruption

Specifically indicates that the pause was caused by an outside influence.

following a short interlude

Replaces "pause" with "interlude", implying a lighter, possibly more pleasant break.

subsequent to a short break

Replaces "pause" with the more common term "break", making it slightly less formal.

after a short lull

Replaces "pause" with "lull", suggesting a temporary period of inactivity or quiet.

following a fleeting silence

Highlights the absence of sound during the pause, adding a sensory dimension.

subsequent to a quick respite

Uses "respite" to indicate a brief period of rest or relief.

subsequent to a momentary cessation

Uses more formal vocabulary like "subsequent" and "cessation" for a more elevated tone.

after a passing stillness

Highlights the lack of movement during the brief pause.

following a quick interregnum

A more formal and less common alternative, "interregnum" suggests a gap between two periods of activity or control.

FAQs

How can I use "after a brief pause" in a sentence?

You can use "after a brief pause" to indicate a short interruption or delay before continuing with a statement or action. For example: "She took a deep breath, "after a brief pause", and then continued her speech."

What can I say instead of "after a brief pause"?

You can use alternatives like "following a short break", "after a momentary delay", or "subsequent to a short interlude" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "after a brief pause"?

While the term "pause" inherently implies a short duration, using "brief" emphasizes the shortness and can be useful for clarity or stylistic effect. However, consider whether the adjective is necessary in your specific context.

What is the difference between "after a brief pause" and "after a long pause"?

The key difference lies in the duration of the pause. "After a brief pause" indicates a short, quick interruption, while "after a long pause" suggests a more significant delay, potentially creating suspense or indicating deeper thought.