cause for pause

USAGE SUMMARY

"cause for pause" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to something that is surprising, important, or requires one to take a moment to reflect on the implications. For example, "The announcement of the new policy caused for pause among the student body."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

There is cause for pause.

The New York Times - Tech

Only the steep price is a cause for pause on this 2.9-pound marvel.

The New York Times - Tech

None of it makes them bad people, but it should give us all cause for pause.

The Guardian

Otherwise, the only cause for pause is the usual minor set of 1.0 bugs, which Apple generally fixes with software updates after a major release.

The New York Times - Tech

Another cause for pause is that Mr. Simmons is listed as one of the biggest beneficiaries of Tom DeLay's political action committee.

The New York Times

Cause for Pause, the 2-1 favorite, was a weary 11th and Glow, the second choice at 3-1, was a poor seventh.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The mere existence of a double standard was not a cause for pausing the executions earlier this year.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The tragic explosion, the unstopped gushing of oil, and resulting damage to fishing and tourism industries, cultures, wildlife and the whole Gulf Coast should be more than enough cause for pausing risky deep-water activities until safety and environmental protection is assured," she said.

The New York Times

The only cause for a pause?

The Guardian - Tech

No one knows who or why.In this section Race, justice and Jena The limits of free expression An ad too far Cause for a pause For Bush, read Scrooge Turning up trumps Can Hillary be stopped?

The Economist

The programme expires on September 30th.In this section Race, justice and Jena The limits of free expression An ad too far Cause for a pause For Bush, read Scrooge Turning up trumps Can Hillary be stopped?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cause for pause" to introduce a surprising or important fact that requires reflection. It effectively signals a shift in tone or focus.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "cause for pause" can sound overly formal in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "something to think about" or "reason to reconsider" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause for pause" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies something that should prompt a moment of reflection or careful consideration. Ludwig AI validates its correct grammatical function and usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cause for pause" is a grammatically sound expression that serves to highlight a situation or piece of information warranting careful thought and reflection. Ludwig confirms its proper use. While not overly common, it finds its place primarily in news and media contexts. For more casual settings, consider using alternatives like "something to think about" or "reason to reconsider". It's a useful tool for signaling the need for thoughtful analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for reflection

Focuses on the reflective aspect rather than the immediate stop.

matter for consideration

Highlights the need for thoughtful consideration.

point to ponder

Emphasizes the act of thinking deeply about a specific idea.

food for thought

Suggests something that stimulates thinking.

reason to hesitate

Indicates a need for caution before proceeding.

grounds for doubt

Highlights uncertainty and skepticism.

something to think about

A more general expression prompting reflection.

reason to reconsider

Suggests the need to evaluate a previous decision.

matter of concern

Emphasizes worry and unease.

warning sign

Implies a potential danger or problem.

FAQs

How can I use "cause for pause" in a sentence?

You can use "cause for pause" to introduce a point that warrants careful consideration. For instance, "The company's declining profits should give investors "cause for pause"".

What's a simpler way to say "cause for pause"?

Alternatives include "something to think about", "reason to reconsider", or "point to ponder", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "cause for pause" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "cause for pause" leans towards formality. In informal contexts, consider phrases like "something to think about" or "reason to stop and think".

What kind of situations warrant a "cause for pause"?

"Cause for pause" is suitable when discussing surprising news, significant changes, or potential risks that require careful thought and evaluation.