after an interval

USAGE SUMMARY

"after an interval" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a period of time that comes after another period of time. For example: "After an interval of several months, the government finally reopened the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After an interval, O'Brien followed them voluntarily, becoming Albert Schweitzer professor of humanities at New York University.

The Guardian

After an interval during which the pump meter clicked along, the Colonel heard a gurgling & splashing sound.

The New Yorker

That leaves two unpalatable outcomes: NatWest escapes, or, after an interval, the circus starts again.

The Economist

Then, after an interval, a brilliantly imagined and perfectly focused response.

Independent

Upon seeing a flash, a female flashes a response after an interval of about 2 seconds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They had been disjointed and error-prone but they were more co-ordinated after an interval lecture from their head coach, Bryan Redpath.

The Guardian - Sport

After an interval a footman appeared and said that Lichnowsky had gone to bed leaving instructions that he was not be disturbed.

The Guardian - Books

Barry was re-elected mayor in 1982 , 1986and, after an interval due to the FBI bust and a six-month prison sentence, again in 1994.

The Guardian

They voted not to let colonists export to Britain, either — though only after an interval that allowed Virginia to sell off its latest tobacco harvest.

The New Yorker

After an interval of five minutes or so, he reappeared with a triumphant look on his face and a pair of dentures in his hand.

The Guardian - Books

After an interval of silence, Jay said, "That's interesting, Gregory, but I only do this for one person at a time".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the length of the interval when using the phrase. If the interval is significant or specific, mentioning its duration (e.g., "after an interval of two weeks") can add precision.

Common error

Avoid using "after an interval" when you simply mean 'immediately after'. The phrase implies a significant pause or break, so using it inappropriately can confuse your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after an interval" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action occurred. It signifies that the action took place following a period of time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "after an interval" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something occurs following a break or pause in time. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While it maintains a neutral formality, it's important to use it accurately, ensuring that a genuine pause or gap exists between the events you're describing. Alternatives like "following a gap" or "after a lapse of time" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. With proper usage, this phrase can effectively clarify temporal relationships in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after a lapse of time

Focuses on the duration of the intervening period.

after a space of time

Focuses on the extent or amount of time that has passed.

after a period

General term indicating a duration of time.

following a duration

Emphasizes the length of time that passes.

following a gap

Emphasizes a break or discontinuity before the subsequent event.

following a break

Suggests an interruption or cessation of activity before resumption.

after a time frame

Similar to after a period, but may suggest a more defined or structured timeframe.

subsequent to a pause

Highlights a brief cessation of activity prior to the following action.

once some time has passed

Highlights the condition of time having elapsed before an event can occur.

later on

More informal way to express that something happens at a later time.

FAQs

How can I use "after an interval" in a sentence?

You can use "after an interval" to indicate a period of time that passes between two events. For example, "After an interval of silence, she began to speak" or "After an interval of several months, the project was restarted".

What are some alternatives to "after an interval"?

Alternatives include "following a gap", "after a lapse of time", "subsequent to a pause", or simply "later on", depending on the context.

Is it necessary to specify the length of the interval?

No, it's not always necessary. The need to specify the length depends on the context and the importance of the duration. If the specific length is relevant, include it (e.g., "after an interval of 5 minutes"). Otherwise, "after an interval" is sufficient.

What is the difference between "after an interval" and "immediately after"?

"After an interval" implies a noticeable pause or break in time, while "immediately after" indicates that something happens right away without any delay. The key difference is the presence or absence of a significant time gap.