give us pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give us pause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that causes one to stop and think or reconsider a situation. Example: "The recent events in the news give us pause about the direction our society is heading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These facts alone should give us pause when considering using animals as models for humans.

BMC Medical Ethics

This should give us pause.

The New York Times

Which should give us pause.

The New York Times

But it would give us pause".

The New York Times

The answer, I think, should give us pause.

The New York Times

But whatever happened, the mystery should give us pause.

The New Yorker

But the Brown analogy should give us pause.

The New York Times

Evans to Bush v. Gore — should give us pause.

The New York Times

It's the cheap imitation that should give us pause.

The New York Times - Books

These are counterintuitive results that should give us pause.

The Guardian - Books

This latter likeness is truly what should give us pause.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "give us pause" to introduce a moment of reflection or reconsideration, often in response to surprising or concerning information. For example, "The number of errors found during the audit should "give us pause" and prompt a review of our procedures."

Common error

Avoid using "give us pause" when a situation warrants immediate action or strong emotional response. This phrase implies thoughtful consideration, not urgent intervention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give us pause" functions as an idiomatic expression, prompting careful consideration or reflection. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is valid and suggests a moment of reconsideration. Examples show its use in diverse contexts, from ethical considerations in science to political analysis in news.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "give us pause" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that urges reflection and reconsideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and widespread use in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian make it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit. While versatile, remember that it is most appropriately used to signal a need for thoughtful evaluation, and less suited for situations demanding immediate or urgent action. Using phrases like "make us think twice" or "cause us to reflect" can provide similar meaning while varying your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make us think twice

Emphasizes the need for careful consideration and potential change in perspective.

cause us to reflect

Highlights the importance of introspection and contemplation.

prompt us to reconsider

Directly suggests the need to re-evaluate a decision or viewpoint.

make us stop and think

Stresses the immediate need to halt and engage in thoughtful analysis.

give us food for thought

Implies that something provides mental stimulation for further consideration.

warrant our attention

Highlights the significance and importance of a particular issue or situation.

demand our reflection

Suggests a strong need to contemplate a subject, indicating gravity or significance.

invite contemplation

Presents a situation that is conductive to a mindful reflection.

merit careful consideration

Suggests that a topic deserves to be assessed thoroughly.

beckon reflection

Evokes a sense of invitation to engage in deep thought about a situation.

FAQs

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

Use "give us pause" to indicate that something should make people stop and think seriously about a situation. For example, "The report's findings should "give us pause" before we proceed with the project."

What does "give us pause" mean?

"Give us pause" means to cause us to stop and think carefully about something, often because it is surprising or worrying. It suggests a need for reflection and reconsideration.

What can I say instead of "give us pause"?

You can use alternatives like "make us think twice", "cause us to reflect", or "prompt us to reconsider depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "gives us pause" instead of "give us pause"?

The correct form depends on the subject. "Give us pause" is used when the subject is plural or a pronoun like 'they' or 'these'. "Gives us pause" is used when the subject is singular or a pronoun like 'it' or 'this'. For instance, "These results should "give us pause"", but "This result "gives us pause"".