brief respite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief respite" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means a short period of rest or relief from something unpleasant or difficult. Example: After months of stressful work, the employee finally took a brief respite from her hectic schedule and went on a relaxing vacation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A brief respite.

The New York Times

There was a brief respite at midday.

The New York Times

It was a brief respite.

The Guardian - Sport

It would be a brief respite.

The Guardian - Sport

It was only a brief respite.

The Guardian - Sport

That proved to be a brief respite.

The Guardian - Sport

To Keith Olbermann: A welcome, but all too brief, respite.

The New York Times

But he is making up for the brief respite now.

The New York Times

West led a diamond, giving South a brief respite.

The New York Times - Arts

The decision provided a brief respite for California.

The New York Times

"Just a brief respite from tanks and bullets.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brief respite" to indicate a temporary pause or break from something challenging or unpleasant. It's effective when highlighting the limited duration of the relief.

Common error

Avoid using "brief respite" when the relief is significant or long-lasting; this can diminish the intended meaning. Instead, reserve it for truly short-lived periods of ease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief respite" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and frequently used. It describes a temporary pause or relief from something challenging.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brief respite" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that signifies a short period of rest or relief from something challenging. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It's prevalent in news, formal writing and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure the relief is indeed temporary to maintain accuracy and avoid overstating the impact of the pause. Alternatives such as "short break" or "temporary lull" may be suitable depending on the context. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short break

Replaces 'respite' with a more common term, simplifying the expression.

temporary lull

Substitutes both 'brief' and 'respite' with synonyms that emphasize a pause in activity.

fleeting pause

Uses 'fleeting' to highlight the short duration and 'pause' as a more neutral alternative to 'respite'.

momentary recess

Replaces 'respite' with 'recess', suggesting a formal or scheduled break.

short interlude

Offers a more elegant alternative, suitable for literary or descriptive contexts.

transient relief

Focuses on the relieving aspect, using 'transient' to stress its temporary nature.

quick breather

Provides a more informal and relatable alternative, implying a moment to catch one's breath.

temporary cessation

Emphasizes the stopping of something, replacing 'respite' with a more formal term.

short-lived ease

Highlights the comfort gained, though temporary, from a difficult situation.

passing reprieve

Similar meaning using more formal vocabulary, suitable in legal or serious contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "brief respite" to describe a temporary pause from something difficult. For example, "The ceasefire provided a "brief respite" from the constant shelling."

What are some alternatives to "brief respite"?

Alternatives include "short break", "temporary lull", or "fleeting pause", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "brief respite" and "short break"?

While both indicate a temporary pause, "brief respite" often implies relief from something unpleasant, whereas "short break" is more general.

When is it appropriate to use "brief respite" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the temporary nature of relief or rest, especially amidst ongoing difficulty or stress. It should accurately represent a very "brief respite" not a longer period of relief.