at intermission

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at intermission" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a specific point or period of time during a performance or event, when there is a break or pause. Example: "During the play, I ran into an old friend at intermission and we caught up on each other's lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

At intermission, I checked again.

The New York Times

Conversations at intermission were halting.

The New Yorker

The woman left at intermission.

The New York Times - Books

led, 42-41, at intermission.

The New York Times - Sports

At intermission, she calls Inky.

The New Yorker

Recommendation: leave at intermission.

The New Yorker

We left at intermission.

The New York Times

Or so I thought at intermission time.

The New Yorker

At intermission, several balletgoers praised his appearance.

The New York Times - Arts

Buffalo led by 17-14 at intermission.

The New York Times - Sports

Dench had 12 points at intermission.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at intermission" to clearly indicate events or actions happening during the break of a performance or event, such as plays, concerts, or sports games.

Common error

Avoid using "at intermission" for general breaks; reserve it for the specific midpoint pause in a performance or event. For regular work breaks, use terms like "during the break" or "at lunchtime".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at intermission" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, specifying when an action or event occurs. As evidenced by Ludwig, it modifies a verb or clause, indicating the temporal context during the break of a performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at intermission" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to denote when something occurs during the break of a performance or event. According to Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial phrase of time and is predominantly found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it should be reserved for specific midpoint pauses in performances, avoiding its use for general breaks. Consider alternatives like "during the break" or "during the interval" for different contexts or levels of formality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is well-established and readily understandable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the break

A simpler way to refer to the intermission period.

during the interval

Uses a more formal term for the break in a performance.

during the break

Focuses on the action occurring during the pause rather than specifically at the midpoint.

during the pause

Highlights the temporary cessation of activity.

at the mid-point

Highlights the exact central point of the event.

at halftime

Specifically refers to the midpoint break in sports games.

in the lull

Emphasizes the quiet or calm period during the event.

during the respite

Highlights the break as a period of rest or relief.

at the stopping point

Refers to the specific moment when the performance pauses.

in the middle

Indicates a general location in the middle of a duration, not necessarily a performance.

FAQs

How is "at intermission" used in a sentence?

You can use "at intermission" to describe actions or events that occur during the break of a performance. For example, "At intermission, refreshments were served."

What's a more formal way to say "at intermission"?

A more formal alternative is "during the interval". Both refer to the break in a performance, but "during the interval" is often used in more upscale or classical settings.

Can I use "at halftime" instead of "at intermission"?

"At halftime" is specific to sports games, referring to the break between the two halves. While both terms indicate a midpoint break, "at halftime" is not interchangeable with "at intermission" in contexts like theater or concerts.

Is it correct to say "in intermission" instead of "at intermission"?

No, the correct preposition to use is "at". "At intermission" is the standard and grammatically correct form.