brief interlude

USAGE SUMMARY

"brief interlude" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to indicate a short or temporary break from an activity. For example, "During the tour, we had a brief interlude for lunch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These films represent a relatively brief interlude.

The New York Times

It was a brief interlude.

The Guardian

"We don't seek a brief interlude between two wars.

The Guardian

The brief interlude of Australian supremacy is over.

The Guardian - Sport

For him, it's just a brief interlude in his life".

The Guardian - Sport

The brief interlude said a little about Stokes and his approach to life and cricket.

Independent

Creating a brief interlude to help us see how off base we are can work wonders.

The New York Times

It came in as a sort of brief interlude and solo between more extensive performances.

The New Yorker

For a brief interlude, the city has returned to roughly habitable dimensions.

The New York Times

For a brief interlude in the mid-seventies, Delhi had seemed like a functioning capital.

The New Yorker

But this is a brief interlude, like a politician shaking hands before the hustings.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing. While "brief interlude" is generally neutral, it can sometimes imply a sense of nostalgia or longing for the past, depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "brief interlude" when you mean a disruptive interruption. "Interlude" implies a planned or natural pause, whereas "interrupt" suggests an unwanted disruption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief interlude" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a temporary period or pause within a larger activity or event. As stated by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brief interlude" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a short and temporary break or pause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard expression in written English. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone and serves to set context by highlighting a temporary shift. Alternatives like "short break" or "fleeting moment" can be used depending on the desired nuance. The key is to use "brief interlude" when denoting a planned or natural pause, differentiating it from an abrupt interruption.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short break

Focuses on the brevity of the pause, simplifying the interlude aspect.

fleeting moment

Emphasizes the transient nature of the event.

temporary respite

Highlights the relief or break provided during the period.

short pause

Directly indicates a brief cessation or interruption.

passing phase

Implies the interlude is part of a sequence of events and not permanent.

quick recess

Highlights the short nature of the pause in activity.

short intermission

Similar to interlude, often used in performance contexts.

transitory period

Stresses the impermanence of the timeframe.

brief hiatus

Similar to interlude, suggesting a temporary suspension.

momentary pause

Highlights the pause being very short in duration

FAQs

How can I use "brief interlude" in a sentence?

You can use "brief interlude" to describe a short break or pause in an activity, such as, "The concert featured a "brief interlude" with a solo performance."

What are some alternatives to "brief interlude"?

Alternatives include "short break", "fleeting moment", or "temporary respite", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "brief interlude" formal or informal?

"Brief interlude" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in writing than in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "brief interlude" and "brief interruption"?

"Brief interlude" suggests a planned or natural pause, while "brief interruption" implies an unexpected or unwanted disruption. Consider the context to choose the more appropriate term.