during the intermission

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during the intermission" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the time period between acts or segments of a performance, such as a play, concert, or movie. Example: "We decided to grab some snacks during the intermission of the play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But nothing happened during the intermission.

The New York Times - Arts

She and Grace ended up dancing onstage during the intermission.

The New Yorker

What does Alain Vigneault tell his Rangers during the intermission?

The Guardian - Sport

Asked to leave by theater management during the intermission, the women reportedly refused.

The New York Times

"I know what it is about her," an attractive San Franciscan said during the intermission.

The New Yorker

Mr. Evans smiled at them and introduced them to the other musicians during the intermission.

The New Yorker

The Roots, from South Philly, are performing during the intermission at the ballpark.

The New York Times

And the director, Sergei Fillin, had seen it happen during the intermission.

The New York Times

Every screening gets its own m.c., who oversees a Best Costume competition during the intermission.

The New Yorker

Word of the shooting, on April 4 , 1968 reached the theater during the intermission, he said.

The New York Times

The lady was unflatteringly photographed without her knowledge during the intermission break of "The Producers".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when choosing this phrase; while widely understood, alternatives like "during the break" might be preferable in very informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "intermission" interchangeably with general breaks. "Intermission" is specific to performances; use "break" or "pause" for other contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during the intermission" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the time frame in which an action occurs. Ludwig's examples show it specifying when events, conversations, or activities take place.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Wiki

5%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "during the intermission" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action occurred during a scheduled break within a performance or event. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media sources, indicating its broad applicability across different registers. Alternatives like "at the interval" or "in the break" can be used, but "during the intermission" remains a clear and widely understood choice. It's important to use this phrase accurately and with the appropriate context, as Ludwig AI explains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the interval

Refers specifically to the break between parts of a performance, like a play or concert. Synonymous in theatrical context.

in the interval

Synonymous with "at the interval", focusing on a pause during an entertainment performance.

between acts

Specifically references the space separating sections of a staged performance.

in the break

A more general term for a pause or rest period, applicable to many situations. More broad than "intermission".

during the pause

Implies a brief cessation of activity. Not exclusive to a scheduled event or show.

at halftime

Specifically refers to the midpoint break in a sporting event. Restricts the context.

at the mid-point

Emphasizes the central break or division, but doesn't specify an event.

in the middle

This refers to the midpoint, but it is less specific and doesn't directly mention a pause or rest.

during the respite

Highlights a temporary period of relief or rest, potentially more formal.

in the lapse

Suggests a temporary failure or decline, which can alter the context slightly.

FAQs

How can I use "during the intermission" in a sentence?

You can use "during the intermission" to describe activities that happen in the break between parts of a performance. For example, "We bought snacks "during the intermission"".

What's a synonym for "during the intermission"?

Alternatives include "at the interval", "in the break", or "between acts", depending on the specific context.

Is "intermission" only used for theater performances?

While often used in the context of theater, "intermission" can also apply to other types of performances like concerts, operas, or even extended movies. The key is a structured break within the presentation.

Is it correct to say "at intermission" instead of "during the intermission"?

While "at intermission" isn't incorrect, "during the intermission" is the more common and natural phrasing. "At intermission" is usually found in theatrical stage directions and play scripts.