during the recess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during the recess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific period of time when a break or pause occurs, often in a formal or educational context. Example: "The students were allowed to play outside during the recess, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The case involves the president's constitutional power to make appointments "during the recess of the Senate," as President Obama arguably did in January 2012, when he appointed three members to the N.L.R.B.

The New York Times

The perk is available even during the recess.

Independent

Several of the rules were modified during the recess.

The New York Times

After all, we didn't come into the lobby to work during the recess.

The Guardian

The US president is empowered under the constitution to "fill up all vacancies" during the recess.

The Guardian

But she added, "there will be no hiatus during the recess," as senators and their aides push ahead.

The New York Times

In the House, members may once again try to grapple with the farm bill, which expired during the recess.

The New York Times

The alliance reported that 25 House Republicans had come out in favor of an overhaul including legalization during the recess.

The New York Times

It states: "The president shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate".

The Guardian

Knowing that he didn't have the Senate votes stacked up - in a Republican Senate to boot - President Bush originally appointed Bolton during the recess.

The Guardian - Opinion

When the government delegation arrived here [in Havana] to start the meeting with us, we were chatting informally during the recess – and we started talking about military episodes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "during the recess" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly defines what "recess" refers to, such as a legislative session, school day, or specific meeting.

Common error

Avoid using "during the recess" without specifying which "recess" you are referring to. Ambiguity can arise if it's unclear whether you mean a school recess, a legislative recess, or some other break. Always provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during the recess" functions primarily as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action takes place. It specifies the timing of an event relative to a temporary break or interruption. Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "during the recess" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate the timing of an event within a break or pause. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, though clarity is essential to specify which "recess" is being referenced. It appears most frequently in news and media, followed by science. For alternatives, consider "during the break" or "in the intermission", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the intermission

Replaces "recess" with "intermission", suggesting a break in a performance or event.

during the break

Substitutes "recess" with "break", a more general term for a pause.

in the downtime

Replaces "recess" with "downtime", suggesting a period of inactivity or reduced activity.

during the pause

Substitutes "recess" with "pause", indicating a temporary cessation.

in the interval

Replaces "recess" with "interval", often used for scheduled breaks.

while on leave

Implies a more extended period of absence, such as from work or duty.

during the adjournment

Substitutes "recess" with "adjournment", which refers specifically to the temporary suspension of a meeting.

amid the respite

Replaces "recess" with "respite", suggesting a period of rest or relief.

in the lapse

Substitutes "recess" with "lapse", implying a temporary failure or decline.

during the hiatus

Replaces "recess" with "hiatus", indicating a gap or interruption in continuity.

FAQs

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

You can use "during the recess" to describe activities or events that occur during a break or pause, such as "The students played games /s/played+games during the recess" or "Legislators debated the bill /s/debated+the+bill during the recess".

What's a good alternative to "during the recess"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "during the break", "in the intermission", or "during the downtime" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "during the recess" formal or informal?

"During the recess" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the specific type of recess being referenced. For very informal contexts, "during the break" might be preferred.

What does the Constitution say about appointments "during the recess" of the Senate?

The US Constitution grants the President the power to fill vacancies that may arise "during the recess" of the Senate, allowing for temporary appointments without Senate confirmation. This power is outlined in Article II, Section 2, Clause 3.