gives one pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gives one pause" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to express that something causes you to stop and think carefully about it. For example, "The unexpected results of the experiment give one pause about the initial hypothesis." Alternative expressions include "makes one think" and "causes one to reflect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Inspired by a poem called "Mirrors" by Jorge Luis Borges, it gives one pause to reflect on reflection and imagination.

The New York Times - Arts

Jed Perl, the art critic at the New Republic, has a short ditty on clocks that gives one pause, even for a few seconds.

The New Yorker

By Ian Segal March 31, 2010 Jed Perl, the art critic at the New Republic, has a short ditty on clocks that gives one pause, even for a few seconds.

The New Yorker

On another level, the film also gives one pause after it reveals various new applications around blockchain.

Forbes

According to Lawrence B. Johnson writing in Chicago on the Aisle: "Samuel Beckett died in 1989 at age 83, which gives one pause upon seeing that the current staging of his monodrama Krapp's Last Tape produced by Shattered Globe Theatre is directed by Beckett himself.

Stanford University

This gives one pause.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Two provocative articles on your April 7 Op-Ed page give one pause: The poet Jorge Valls, whose zeal for civil liberties in Cuba earned him 20 years in prison, called for the return of Elian Gonzalez to his father as the rational right course, political passions aside.

The New York Times

And it wasn't just flattering; it gave one pause to recognize the lesson - and to pass on the respect and concern to others, strangers or friends.

Huffington Post

His actions on racial matters alone are enough to give one pause.

The New York Times

Repositories run by governments or large universities are likely to be considered trustworthy (although the effects of the 2013 US government shutdown on the PubMed biomedical article database might give one pause).

F1000Research

They are astonishingly charming, but the fact that in some cases, such as Wuzhen, the original population has been entirely moved out, or, in others, carries on as slightly mutinous extras around the boutique hotels and shops, can give one pause.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gives one pause" when you want to suggest that something is surprising or unexpected enough to make someone stop and think carefully before proceeding.

Common error

Avoid using "gives one pause" in very casual or informal conversations; it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "makes you think" or "makes you wonder".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gives one pause" functions as a verb phrase that introduces a sense of thoughtfulness or hesitation. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in contexts that warrant careful consideration or reflection.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gives one pause" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to indicate that something prompts careful consideration or reflection. Ludwig AI indicates that while correct, its formality makes it more appropriate for news, academic, and professional contexts. Simpler phrases, like "makes you think", may be better suited for informal settings. Remember that using the phrase accurately involves suggesting an element of surprise or unexpectedness which causes thoughtful hesitation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

causes reflection

Focuses on the act of thinking deeply, omitting the element of hesitation.

prompts consideration

Highlights the initiation of thought rather than any pause.

warrants reflection

Emphasizes the justification for deeper thought.

gives reason to consider

Highlights the justification for deeper thought, but longer.

makes one think twice

Emphasizes hesitation and reconsideration.

invites contemplation

Focuses on a more formal and prolonged period of thought.

demands scrutiny

Highlights a need for close and critical examination.

calls for reflection

Similar to 'causes reflection' but with a slightly more formal tone.

provokes thought

Highlights the act of stimulating thought, omitting the element of hesitation.

merits consideration

Emphasizes the worthiness of being thought about, but more formal.

FAQs

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

Use "gives one pause" to indicate that something is worth careful consideration. For example, "The complexity of the issue "gives one pause" before making a decision".

What are some alternatives to "gives one pause"?

You can use alternatives like "prompts consideration", "causes reflection", or "makes one think twice" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "gives one pause" formal or informal?

"Gives one pause" leans towards the formal side. In casual contexts, phrases like "makes you think" might be more appropriate.

What does "gives one pause" mean?

"Gives one pause" means that something is significant or surprising enough to make someone stop and think carefully about it. It suggests a moment of reflection or hesitation.