hiatus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hiatus" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a break or interruption in a process, activity, or event. Example: "After a long hiatus, the band finally released a new album."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With hope, this will end the discussion of the so-called "pause" or "hiatus," which never existed in the first place.

The Guardian

Karl said: "There's been a lot of work done trying to understand the so-called hiatus and understand where is this missing heat".

The Guardian

"There is no slowdown in warming, there is no hiatus," said lead author Dr Tom Karl, who is the director of Noaa's National Climatic Data Centre.

The Guardian

After a 112-year hiatus, golf will return to the Games in Rio in 2016.

The Guardian

The other side of the story, criticism of events since 30 June, rarely appears on the pages of the local press, whether out of a misguided sense of patriotism or because of the red lines that have re-established themselves following a brief hiatus after 2011.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet that model may be approaching obsolescence – or at least a hiatus.

The Guardian - Opinion

Today, Facebook explicitly asks "what's on your mind?", while Twitter still asks "what's happening" (after a three-year hiatus which avoided a question entirely, simply offering the option to "Compose New Tweet").

The Guardian - Tech

The weekly roundups of iOS and Android apps went on hiatus at the end of 2014 in favour of monthly collections.

The Guardian - Tech

Pressure appears to be mounting on Israelis and Palestinians, not least from Europe, to return to the negotiating table after a damaging hiatus in the peace process of more than a year.

The Guardian

The most curious feature of his career was the hiatus that followed.

The Guardian - Sport

The implications for his team, still two points beneath the cut-off and facing a fortnight's hiatus in their campaign, are grim.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hiatus" when you want to emphasize a deliberate or formal break, especially after a sustained period of activity. It's more suitable than a simple "break" when the interruption has a significant impact or is officially recognized.

Common error

Avoid mistaking "hiatus" for "hiya," which is an informal greeting. "Hiatus" refers to a break or interruption, while "hiya" is a colloquial way of saying "hello."

Linguistic Context

Hiatus primarily functions as a noun, referring to a gap, interruption, or break in a series or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in diverse contexts, as evidenced by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hiatus" is a versatile noun denoting a temporary interruption or gap, commonly used across various formal contexts like news, business, and science. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is used correctly, emphasizing its role in describing breaks in activities, processes, or series. When choosing alternatives, consider nuances such as "temporary break" or "brief recess" to match the specific interruption's nature. Avoid confusing "hiatus" with similar-sounding words like "hiya". By following these guidelines, you can confidently use "hiatus" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporary break

Emphasizes the brief nature of the interruption.

brief recess

Suggests a formal and relatively short pause.

interim period

Highlights the transitional nature of the interruption.

pause in activity

Specifically refers to a halt in ongoing actions.

suspension of operations

Indicates a more formal or official cessation.

period of inactivity

Focuses on the lack of activity during the interruption.

time-out

Suggests a temporary removal from a situation, often informal.

gap in the schedule

Highlights a break within a planned sequence.

lull in proceedings

Refers to a quiet or calm period within a longer event.

respite from duties

Focuses on the relief from obligations during the break.

FAQs

How do I use "hiatus" in a sentence?

Use "hiatus" to describe a gap or interruption in a series, process, or activity. For example, "The band is returning after a long hiatus" or "The peace talks resumed after a year-long hiatus".

What words can I use instead of "hiatus"?

You can use alternatives like "break", "intermission", "pause", or "suspension" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "on hiatus" or "in hiatus"?

"On hiatus" is the more common and accepted phrase. It indicates that something is currently in a state of interruption or break.

What's the difference between "hiatus" and "sabbatical"?

While both terms refer to a break, a "hiatus" is a general term for any interruption, whereas a "sabbatical" typically refers to a longer, intentional break from work, often for study or travel.