could take a break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could take a break" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that someone has the option to pause or rest from an activity or task. Example: "After working for several hours straight, I think we could take a break to recharge our energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"We had to sit without moving until she said we could take a break.

The New York Times

If you ever lose patience, perhaps you could take a break and walk your dog.

The Guardian - Opinion

After hours of song and dance, one exhausted man asked if we could take a break.

The New York Times

Mac thought it meant he could take a break after all.

The Guardian

He had positioned the portfolio so that he could take a break this summer.

The New York Times

As we got down to the 10th floor, building employees said we could take a break and get fresh air.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

But on Nov. 5, 2009, he was standing at the counter at the building's entrance after 1 p.m., so that his colleagues could take a lunch break.

The New York Times

After each block participants could take a short break.

Plosone

Between each block, the participants could take a short break.

Plosone

After each block, the participant could take a short break.

Attention, Perception & Psychophysics

A pause-signal appeared after 144 trials indicating that children could take a short break.

BMC Pediatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could take a break" when suggesting a temporary pause from an activity is permissible or advisable. For instance, "After the intense brainstorming session, the team could take a break to refresh their minds."

Common error

Avoid using "could take a break" when a break is mandatory or required by policy. Instead, use phrases like "must take a break" or "are required to take a break" to convey the necessary nature of the pause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could take a break" functions as a suggestion or indication of permission to pause an activity. As evidenced by Ludwig, it expresses possibility rather than obligation. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could take a break" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to suggest or express the possibility of pausing an activity. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent occurrence in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, remember that it implies permission or possibility, not obligation. While alternatives such as "might take a breather" or "may pause for a moment" exist, the core meaning remains consistent: a temporary interruption is permissible. Ludwig confirms its wide-ranging usability and acceptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might take a breather

Suggests a short pause for rest, implying a return to the activity.

can take a rest

Focuses on the aspect of resting during the interruption.

may pause for a moment

Indicates a brief interruption, often for consideration or reflection.

are allowed to take a pause

Highlights permission or authorization to interrupt the activity.

might need to stop for a bit

Expresses a possible need to halt the activity for a short duration.

should take a recess

Implies a formal or scheduled interruption, like in a meeting or court.

can interrupt briefly

Focuses on the action of interrupting the current activity.

could have a time out

Suggests a temporary removal from a situation, often to regain composure.

may step aside temporarily

Indicates a brief departure, often to allow others to proceed.

are able to take five

Informal way of suggesting a five-minute break.

FAQs

How can I use "could take a break" in a sentence?

Use "could take a break" to suggest that someone has the option or permission to pause or rest from an activity. For example: "If you're feeling overwhelmed, you "could take a break" and come back to it later."

What are some alternatives to "could take a break"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "might need to pause", "should consider a rest", or "may want to step away".

Is it appropriate to use "could take a break" in formal writing?

Yes, "could take a break" is generally appropriate for formal writing, especially when offering a suggestion or stating a possibility. However, consider the specific tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall formality.

What's the difference between "could take a break" and "should take a break"?

"Could take a break" suggests that it's permissible or an option to pause, while "should take a break" implies that it's advisable or recommended for someone to pause.