he paused

USAGE SUMMARY

"he paused" is an entirely correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate a brief break in speech. For example: "He began to tell me the story, pausing to collect his thoughts as he went along."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He paused.

The New York Times - Magazine

." He paused.

The New Yorker

He paused and considered.

The New York Times

He paused significantly.

The New Yorker

He paused again.

The New York Times

He paused a moment.

The New York Times - Magazine

He paused and smiled.

The New York Times - Magazine

Big!" — when he paused.

The New Yorker

Then he paused.

The New York Times

He paused before responding.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He pauses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he paused" to create a sense of anticipation or dramatic effect in your writing. It signals a moment of reflection, hesitation, or a shift in thought for the character.

Common error

Avoid using "he paused" too frequently in a single passage, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Vary your descriptions of pauses by using alternative phrases like "he hesitated" or "he reflected" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "he paused" is to serve as an independent clause. It consists of a subject pronoun ("he") and a verb in the past tense ("paused"). Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is both grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he paused" functions as a grammatically sound and frequently employed independent clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to denote a brief interruption in speech or activity, often to create suspense, indicate reflection, or mark a shift in the narrative. It’s most commonly found in News & Media sources, making it a neutrally registered phrase suitable for various contexts. To avoid redundancy in writing, consider alternatives like "he hesitated" or "he reflected".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

He hesitated

Focuses on the uncertainty or reluctance implied by the pause.

He stopped briefly

Highlights the temporary nature of the cessation.

He reflected for a moment

Emphasizes the thoughtfulness during the pause.

He contemplated

Suggests a deeper level of consideration during the pause.

He took a short break

Highlights the break in action or speech.

He broke off for a second

Emphasizes the interruption in speech or activity.

He fell silent

Focuses on the cessation of speech.

He was momentarily silent

Highlights the temporary state of silence.

He stilled

Emphasizes the cessation of movement.

He ceased speaking

Directly indicates the end of speech.

FAQs

How can I use "he paused" in a sentence?

The phrase "he paused" is typically used to indicate a brief break in speech or action. For example: "He began to speak, but "he paused", searching for the right words."

What are some alternatives to "he paused"?

You can use alternatives like "he hesitated", "he stopped", or "he reflected" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "he paused"?

Yes, "he paused" is grammatically correct. "He" is a subject pronoun, and "paused" is the past tense form of the verb "to pause".

What does it mean when a writer uses "he paused" in a story?

When a writer uses "he paused", it often indicates that the character is thinking, feeling uncertain, or about to reveal something important. It can also create suspense or a shift in the narrative.