gives me pause

USAGE SUMMARY

"gives me pause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a moment of hesitation or doubt, when you are considering something and have difficulty making a decision. For example, "The high cost of the new car gives me pause, but I'm still considering making the purchase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Sure gives me pause.

The Washington Post

That gives me pause.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It gives me pause," Mr. Joy said.

The New York Times

But Kushner's eerie prophecy gives me pause.

The New Yorker

"It gives me pause and goes into my decisions.

The New York Times

It gives me pause about the accuracy of other studies".

The New York Times

The potential vastness of the situation gives me pause.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

That gave me pause.

The New York Times - Magazine

Which gave me pause.

The Guardian

This gave me pause.

The New York Times - Sports

This especially gave me pause.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gives me pause" to express a thoughtful hesitation, not a complete rejection. It suggests you're considering something carefully.

Common error

Avoid using "gives me pause" repeatedly in a short span of writing. Find synonyms or rephrase to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gives me pause" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate a moment of hesitation, doubt, or reconsideration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gives me pause" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to convey hesitation or doubt. Ludwig AI analysis, confirmed by numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post, indicates its wide applicability across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Academia. The phrase is versatile enough for neutral and professional communication, although overuse should be avoided. Alternatives like "makes me hesitate" or "causes me to doubt" can add variety to your writing. Overall, understanding the subtle nuances of "gives me pause" allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

makes me hesitate

Focuses on the act of pausing or hesitating before a decision or action.

causes me to doubt

Highlights the element of uncertainty and questioning that the situation evokes.

gives me reason to reconsider

Emphasizes the need to re-evaluate a previous decision or opinion.

prompts me to think twice

Stresses the importance of careful consideration before proceeding.

makes me wary

Highlights a sense of caution and potential danger.

makes me apprehensive

Focuses on feelings of anxiety or unease about a future event.

gives me cause for concern

Directly expresses worry or anxiety about a situation.

makes me question

Highlights the act of questioning the validity or truth of something.

gives me food for thought

Implies that something requires deeper reflection and consideration.

makes me think seriously

Stresses the need for thoughtful and deliberate consideration.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "gives me pause"?

When something "gives me pause", it means it causes you to hesitate, reconsider, or have doubts about something. It suggests a moment of thoughtful reflection before proceeding.

How can I use "gives me pause" in a sentence?

You can use "gives me pause" to express hesitation or concern. For example, "The high cost of the project "gives me pause", but the potential benefits are significant."

What can I say instead of "gives me pause"?

You can use alternatives like "makes me hesitate", "causes me to doubt", or "prompts me to think twice" depending on the context.

Is "gave me pause" the past tense of "gives me pause"?

Yes, "gave me pause" is the past tense. For example, "The news about the company's financial troubles "gave me pause"."