at a pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a pause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a moment when someone or something is temporarily stopped or halted, often in the context of speech or action. Example: "She spoke thoughtfully, taking a moment at a pause to gather her thoughts before continuing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

[Page A18.] "We really are at a pause right now," said an administration official.

The New York Times

"It's like he's at a pause now," said Ms. Thompson, who left her factory job packing ice cream cones to stay home and take care of Rashaan.

The New York Times

At a pause in the ongoing assault, Watson may shoot a wink at a witness to demonstrate exactly who is in control.

The New York Times - Sports

At a pause in Jordan between his Ramallah headquarters and France, Mr. Arafat, pale and drawn in a drab green military overcoat and a fur hat much too large for his head, smiled and blew kisses to a gathered crowd.

The New York Times

The committee looks at a pause in implementation of Osborne's proposals for one year, slower implementation over as long as four years or total protection for existing claimants by imposing the cuts only on new tax credit claimants.

The Guardian

The program execution waits at a pause statement for a clock tick.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The diplomatic proposal creates at least a pause in the action.

The New York Times

Really, a series of low, small ones, each representing a moment for at least a pause, can do the necessary work.

The New Yorker

"We are moving towards at least a pause," said Krugman.

Huffington Post

The agreement advances a significant administration priority and would bring at least a pause to the long-running international standoff over Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Los Angeles Times

For instance, for those sponsoring students through college, disruption to the remittance flow would mean an end, or at least a pause, in their academic careers.

Human Resources for Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a pause" to indicate a brief, often intentional, cessation in an activity or process. It's particularly effective when describing strategic breaks in speech, gameplay, or ongoing projects.

Common error

Avoid using "at a pause" to describe something that has ended completely. The phrase implies a temporary cessation, not a final conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a pause" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating the time or state in which an action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing examples where it denotes a temporary suspension or interruption of an activity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a pause" is a useful phrase for indicating a temporary cessation in an activity or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appears in a variety of contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While frequently used, it is important to differentiate its meaning from similar phrases like "on hold", ensuring it is not used to describe permanent endings. By understanding its function, purpose, register, and common errors, writers can effectively use "at a pause" to enhance the clarity and precision of their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during an interruption

Specifies that the event occurs while something is temporarily stopped.

in a lull

Emphasizes a quiet or calm period during an otherwise active time.

during a break

Highlights a scheduled or unscheduled cessation of activity.

momentarily stopped

Focuses on the temporary nature of the cessation.

in suspension

Suggests a temporary state of inactivity, often in a formal context.

on hold

Indicates that something is being temporarily delayed or postponed.

in abeyance

Implies a temporary state of inactivity or suspension, often in legal or formal settings.

temporarily halted

Emphasizes the temporary cessation of an action or process.

briefly suspended

Highlights the brevity of the suspension or interruption.

intermittently stopped

Implies that the action stops and starts at intervals.

FAQs

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

You can use "at a pause" to indicate a temporary cessation or interruption in an activity. For example, "The speaker, at a pause, took a sip of water" or "The project is currently at a pause due to funding issues".

What are some alternatives to "at a pause"?

Alternatives to "at a pause" include "during a break", "in a lull", or "momentarily stopped". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in a pause" instead of "at a pause"?

While "in a pause" might be understood, "at a pause" is the more common and grammatically accepted phrasing to describe being in a state of temporary cessation.

What's the difference between "at a pause" and "on hold"?

"At a pause" generally describes a temporary stop within an ongoing activity or process, while "on hold" often implies a more deliberate suspension pending future decisions or actions.