give pause for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give pause for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something causes someone to stop and think or reconsider a situation. Example: "The unexpected news should give pause for reflection on our current strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

But almost all give pause for thought.

The Economist

That should give pause for thought.

The Economist

But Dr Stefansson's results do give pause for thought.

The Economist

McGreevy also believes the boom should give pause for thought.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While hacking into the system appears feasible, it looks daunting enough to give pause for thought.

The Economist

That's a good enough match to the measured value to give pause for thought.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

But it certainly gives pause for thought.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mention of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff, meanwhile, gives pause for thought.

The New York Times - Arts

In a town of 8,000 people, it gives pause for thought.

The Economist

But the rise of Facebook at least gives pause for thought.

The Economist

The former home secretary David Blunkett said the case gave pause for thought.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "give pause for" when you want to indicate that something should cause someone to stop and carefully consider the implications or significance of a situation. It is effective in both formal and informal writing.

Common error

While "give pause for" is a useful idiom, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "cause to reflect" or "prompt consideration" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give pause for" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that something should cause one to stop and think carefully. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It often introduces a reason for reflection or reconsideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give pause for" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic expression used to indicate that something warrants careful consideration. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It frequently appears in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, highlighting its versatility. While effective, overuse should be avoided to maintain writing clarity. Alternative phrases such as "cause to reflect" or "prompt consideration" can provide variety. The phrase serves to encourage thoughtful reflection and careful analysis, making it a valuable tool for writers across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause to reflect

Emphasizes the action of causing someone to think deeply.

prompt consideration

Highlights the act of initiating a careful thought process.

warrant reflection

Suggests that something deserves careful thought.

merit contemplation

Indicates that something is worthy of deep and prolonged thought.

call for introspection

Focuses on encouraging self-examination and inner reflection.

give reason to ponder

Highlights providing a cause or motive to think carefully about something.

make one think twice

Suggests a need to reconsider or re-evaluate a decision or situation.

demand consideration

Emphasizes the urgency and necessity of thinking about something.

invite reflection

Suggests a gentle encouragement to think about something.

encourage contemplation

Emphasizes fostering a state of thoughtful consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "give pause for" to indicate that something should cause someone to stop and think carefully. For example, "The company's declining profits should "give pause for" concern."

What does "give pause for reflection" mean?

"Give pause for reflection" means something should cause someone to stop and think deeply about the implications. It suggests a need for careful consideration.

What are some alternatives to "give pause for"?

Alternatives include "cause to reflect", "prompt consideration", or "warrant reflection". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "give pause" or "give pause for thought"?

"Give pause for thought" is a more common and idiomatic expression. While "give pause" is understandable, it's less frequently used. The examples in Ludwig show a clear preference for the longer phrase.