brief lull

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief lull" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short period of calm or inactivity, often in the context of a conversation, activity, or situation. Example: "After the initial excitement, there was a brief lull in the discussion as everyone gathered their thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

AFTER a brief lull, the battle for Jaffna has resumed.

The Economist

Whether this is a new trend or a brief lull remains to be seen.

The Economist

At nightfall there was a brief lull, and then his machine spluttered out this message.

The New Yorker

A brief lull to gaze at the ground far below, then onwards and upwards again.

The Economist

But after a brief lull in recent weeks, the deadly raids appear to be back.

The New York Times

Finally, after about forty-five minutherethere was a brief lull in the waves.

The New Yorker

Artillery duels broke out in that area today after a brief lull.

The New York Times

"They're creatures of habit," he explained patiently during a brief lull in the line.

The New York Times

After a brief lull in the first part of July, those fears have been realized.

The New York Times

The letter's authors met to consider Samson's case during a brief lull in their work day.

The New York Times - Health

The attacks ended a brief lull in the terrorist strikes that have ravaged Pakistan in recent years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "brief lull", ensure that the surrounding sentences clearly establish the context of the activity or situation that experiences the pause. This provides clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "brief lull" to describe a minor pause that has no impact on the overall flow of events. Ensure the lull is significant enough to warrant mentioning, rather than a trivial moment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief lull" functions as a noun phrase, where "brief" modifies the noun "lull". It describes a temporary cessation or reduction in activity. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brief lull" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a short period of reduced activity or intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, predominantly in news and media, to signal a temporary pause before the resumption of an activity or event. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and avoid overstating the significance of minor pauses. Alternatives such as "short pause" or "temporary break" can be used to convey similar meanings. Use "brief lull" effectively to create anticipation or emphasize a shift in momentum.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short pause

Focuses on the temporary cessation of activity, emphasizing the brevity of the interruption.

temporary break

Highlights the impermanent nature of the interruption or cessation.

momentary pause

Emphasizes the very short duration of the inactivity.

fleeting calm

Suggests a transient period of tranquility amidst activity.

short respite

Implies a temporary relief from a more intense or difficult situation.

brief cessation

Formally indicates a short stopping or discontinuance.

transient stillness

Focuses on the temporary lack of movement or activity.

short interruption

Highlights the temporary disturbance or break in continuity.

passing quiet

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the silence or lack of disturbance.

moment of quiet

Suggests a very short, distinct period of silence or reduced activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "brief lull" to describe a short period of calm or inactivity in a situation. For instance, "After the storm, there was a "brief lull" before the cleanup began."

What are some alternatives to "brief lull"?

Alternatives include "short pause", "temporary break", or "momentary pause", depending on the specific context you're describing.

Is "brief lull" formal or informal?

The phrase "brief lull" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently found in news reports, articles, and casual conversations.

What's the difference between "brief lull" and "brief respite"?

"Brief lull" refers to a short period of reduced activity, while "brief respite" implies a short period of relief from something difficult or unpleasant.