after a lengthy pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "after a lengthy pause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant delay or break in conversation or action before someone responds or continues speaking. Example: "After a lengthy pause, she finally gathered her thoughts and spoke up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"She was called Gladys," he says after a lengthy pause.

The Guardian

"I don't know how to answer that," he said, after a lengthy pause.

The New York Times

"Yeah, I would always say that," Sherwood said after a lengthy pause.

The Guardian - Sport

"I don't know if I was the one proving it," he said after a lengthy pause.

The New York Times

Is that right?" After a lengthy pause, Mr. Legan answered, "I guess so".

The New York Times

Psych me up!" The deputies looked at one another, and, after a lengthy pause, one whispered, "Go get 'em".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

After that there was a lengthy pause.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Ummmm," he says with a lengthy pause, "I'm a music... liker.

The Guardian

When East put in the ten, there was a lengthy pause.

The New York Times

When I ask him to define "Britishness", there's a lengthy pause.

The Guardian

Mr. Clinton's decision could well mark the start of a lengthy pause in the negotiations with North Korea.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "after a lengthy pause" to create suspense or emphasize the importance of what follows. It signals to the reader that the speaker or actor has carefully considered their response or action.

Common error

Avoid using "after a lengthy pause" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Vary your descriptions of pauses with alternatives like "after a moment of reflection" or "following a brief silence" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after a lengthy pause" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an action. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in setting the scene or emphasizing the impact of a delayed response.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "after a lengthy pause" serves as an adverbial phrase to emphasize a significant delay before a response or action. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in News & Media. While the phrase is not particularly formal or informal, writers are advised to use it thoughtfully to ensure its impact. Consider alternatives such as "following a long silence" or "after a considerable delay" to maintain variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following a long silence

This alternative emphasizes the silence itself rather than the duration of the pause.

after a considerable delay

This phrase focuses on the delay itself, implying a significant amount of time passed.

after a long interval

This highlights the break in activity, suggesting a period of inactivity.

following an extended silence

Similar to 'following a long silence' but stresses the duration of the silence.

after a significant pause

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the pause.

after a moment of reflection

Suggests the pause was used for thinking or contemplation.

after some hesitation

Highlights the hesitancy or uncertainty before the action.

after a pregnant pause

Implies the pause was filled with unspoken meaning or anticipation.

after a drawn-out silence

Stresses the dragging or prolonged nature of the silence.

subsequent to a long break

A more formal way of saying after a long pause; suitable for professional contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "after a lengthy pause" to indicate a significant delay before someone speaks or acts. For example: "After a lengthy pause, she finally revealed the truth."

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

You can use alternatives like "following a long silence", "after a considerable delay", or "after a moment of reflection" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "after a lengthy pause" and "after a brief pause"?

"After a lengthy pause" suggests a longer, more significant delay, implying contemplation or hesitation. "After a brief pause" indicates a short, less impactful interruption.

Is it ever incorrect to use "after a lengthy pause"?

While grammatically correct, using "after a lengthy pause" might be inappropriate if the actual pause was short. Ensure the description accurately reflects the duration of the pause.