after a pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'after a pause' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person taking a short break in their speech. For example, "He paused for a moment and then continued his story after a pause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Jackson: (After a pause).

The New York Times

After a pause, he continued.

The New York Times

After a pause, Blankfein did.

The New Yorker

After a pause, Adams said, "That hurts".

The New Yorker

Then, after a pause, he continued.

Independent

After a pause, he added: "Some people.

The New York Times - Sports

After a pause, the opera began.

The New York Times

After a pause, he said, "Oh, yes".

The New Yorker

After a pause: "Except a modern car".

The New York Times

After a pause, Paul nodded.

The New Yorker

Lincoln (after a pause): Yes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "after a pause" to indicate a deliberate break in speech or action, often to create suspense or show thoughtfulness. It's effective in narrative writing and dialogue to enhance the pacing and character development.

Common error

Avoid using "after a pause" to describe speech disfluencies like stutters or hesitations due to nervousness. This phrase implies a conscious decision to pause, not an involuntary interruption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after a pause" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action occurred in relation to a break or cessation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally considered correct and usable. It often introduces additional information, reactions, or continuations following a period of silence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "after a pause" is a common and correct adverbial phrase used to denote a deliberate break in speech or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, although most frequently encountered in news and media. It serves to create suspense, indicate thoughtfulness, or signal a shift in narrative. When using it, ensure the pause is intentional, avoiding its misuse for unintentional speech disfluencies. Alternatives include "following a silence" or "after a momentary hesitation", each offering slightly different nuances. Remember, the effectiveness of "after a pause" lies in its ability to enhance pacing and character development through strategically placed silences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following a silence

Emphasizes the quiet interval that occurs, rather than the act of pausing itself.

subsequently, after a brief interruption

Highlights that there was an interruption that led to the pause.

after a momentary hesitation

Focuses on the brief uncertainty or delay before continuing.

following a short break

Uses 'break' instead of 'pause', suggesting a slightly longer or more deliberate stop.

after a reflective interlude

Implies the pause was used for thought or contemplation.

once the lull had passed

Emphasizes the calmness or quietness of the pause.

upon resuming after a gap

Highlights the act of restarting after an empty space or interval.

after collecting oneself

Suggests the pause was needed to regain composure or focus.

then, after a suspensive moment

Emphasizes the feeling of anticipation or uncertainty during the pause.

following a beat of silence

Uses a musical term to describe a short period of quiet.

FAQs

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

You can use "after a pause" to describe a deliberate break in speech or action. For example, "After a pause, she revealed the truth" or "He considered the question after a pause".

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

Alternatives to "after a pause" include "following a silence", "subsequently after a brief interruption", or "after a momentary hesitation".

Is it always necessary to indicate "after a pause" in writing?

No, it's not always necessary. Only indicate "after a pause" if the pause is significant or contributes to the meaning or effect of the scene.

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

"After a moment" simply indicates a short time passed. "After a pause" suggests a deliberate break, usually in speech or action, that carries some significance. It could be "after a reflective interlude", for example.