brief pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief pause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short interruption or break in speech, action, or activity. Example: "After a brief pause, she continued her presentation with renewed confidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Brief pause.

The New Yorker

A brief pause.

The Guardian - Film

There is a brief pause.

The New Yorker

There was a brief pause.

The New York Times

After a brief pause, the cage descends.

The New Yorker

After a brief pause, his message continued.

The New York Times

Brief pause for relishing the moment.

The Washington Post

Hostess, after brief pause: Um, it's um..

The New York Times

A brief pause, and, finally: "Thank you".

The New York Times - Sports

There was then a brief pause.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The data are having a brief pause, or a consolidation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brief pause" to create suspense or emphasize a point in writing or speech. It signals a deliberate break, inviting the audience to reflect or anticipate what follows.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "brief pause" to describe every silence in dialogue. It can become repetitive and weaken the impact. Vary your descriptions with alternatives like "a beat of silence" or focus on character actions during the pause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief pause" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a short period of silence or inactivity. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, it frequently occurs to mark a transition or create emphasis in narratives and dialogues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brief pause" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that denotes a short break in speech or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's utilized across various contexts, primarily in news, media, and academic settings, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While alternatives like "short pause" or "momentary silence" exist, "brief pause" remains a versatile choice for indicating a temporary cessation and is generally considered grammatically correct. Remember to use "brief pause" purposefully, avoiding overuse in dialogues to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short pause

Replaces "brief" with "short", maintaining the meaning of a temporary cessation.

moment's pause

Similar to "brief pause" but emphasizes the singularity of the moment.

momentary silence

Focuses on the absence of sound during the interruption.

fleeting silence

Emphasizes the transient nature of the silence.

short interlude

Implies a break or interruption, often in a more formal or artistic context.

small interruption

Highlights the disruptive aspect of the pause, albeit a minor one.

temporary halt

Suggests a temporary stop in activity or speech.

brief respite

Highlights the aspect of relief or rest provided by the pause.

slight hesitation

Emphasizes a moment of uncertainty or reluctance.

quick break

Indicates a short and informal interruption.

FAQs

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

You can use "brief pause" to indicate a short break in speech or action, such as, "After a brief pause, she continued her presentation" or "There was a brief pause before the music started again".

What are some alternatives to "brief pause"?

Some alternatives include "short pause", "momentary silence", or "slight hesitation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a very brief pause"?

While not strictly incorrect, "very brief pause" can be considered slightly redundant since "brief" already implies shortness. Consider using just "brief pause" for conciseness unless you need to emphasize extreme brevity.

How does "brief pause" differ from "extended pause"?

"Brief pause" indicates a short interruption, while "extended pause" suggests a longer, more significant break. The choice depends on the duration and impact of the silence you're describing.