after a long pause

USAGE SUMMARY

"after a long pause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a period of silence in a conversation or other situation. For example: "The room was filled with tension, and after a long pause, one person finally spoke up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Hmmm," he said after a long pause.

The New York Times

"Wow," he says, after a long pause.

The New Yorker

"Possibly," Mickelson said after a long pause.

The New York Times - Sports

Yes, he said after a long pause.

The New York Times

After a long pause Father spoke.

The New Yorker

"Well," he says, after a long pause.

The Guardian - Arts

Gary, after a long pause, agrees.

The Guardian - Sport

After a long pause, the recruiter started asking questions.

The New Yorker

"My brothers," he replied after a long pause for thought.

Independent

"Not really," he said after a long pause.

The New York Times

"There was no revelation," he said after a long pause.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In descriptive writing, follow "after a long pause" with details about the character's expression or body language to enhance the scene's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "after a long pause" when the silence is brief or insignificant. This diminishes the phrase's impact and can confuse the reader. For short silences, consider alternatives like "after a moment" or "briefly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after a long pause" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action occurred. It sets the temporal context, indicating that the action followed a period of silence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "after a long pause" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate a significant period of silence preceding an action or statement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Its primary function is to create suspense or emphasize the importance of what follows, often implying contemplation or hesitation. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts. To enhance your writing, use it to signal a meaningful moment of reflection and avoid using it for brief or insignificant silences. Remember, effective use of this phrase adds depth and impact to your narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following a lengthy silence

Emphasizes the duration of the silence rather than the act of pausing.

following an extended silence

Similar to "following a lengthy silence" but uses 'extended' for emphasis.

after a considerable delay

Highlights the time elapsed before something happened, focusing on the delay.

subsequent to a drawn-out silence

More formal and emphasizes the drawn-out nature of the silence.

after an appreciable silence

Highlights that the silence was noticeable and significant.

after the protracted silence

Uses 'protracted' to emphasize the length and tediousness of the silence.

after a moment of reflection

Suggests the pause was used for thinking, adding a layer of intentionality.

following a pregnant pause

Implies the pause was filled with unspoken meaning or anticipation.

once the silence stretched out

Focuses on the increasing duration of the silence.

once a long stillness had passed

More poetic, focusing on the stillness and its eventual passing.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "after a long pause" in a sentence?

Use "after a long pause" to indicate a significant period of silence, often implying hesitation, thoughtfulness, or tension. For example, "After a long pause, she finally revealed the truth."

What are some alternatives to "after a long pause"?

You can use alternatives like "following a lengthy silence", "after a considerable delay", or "subsequent to a drawn-out silence" depending on the context.

What does it imply when someone uses "after a long pause" in a conversation?

It often suggests the person needed time to think, was hesitant to answer, or that the topic is sensitive. The pause itself can create suspense or emphasize the importance of what follows.

Is there a difference between "after a long pause" and "after a short pause"?

Yes, "after a short pause" indicates a brief moment of silence, while "after a long pause" signifies a more extended period, implying greater deliberation or emotional weight. It all depends on context and narrative intention.