involuntary pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "involuntary pause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a pause that occurs without conscious intention, often due to surprise, hesitation, or emotional response. Example: "During her speech, she experienced an involuntary pause when she saw the audience's shocked expressions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sleep apnea affects about 15 million people in the United States and is characterized by many brief involuntary pauses in breathing during sleep.

The New York Times - Sports

Certainly, Ishmael's reasons for getting on the boat — the damp, drizzly November of the soul, the involuntary pausing before coffin warehouses — are familiar to modern readers, up to a point.

The New York Times - Books

It can also be the root of sleep apnea, which causes involuntary pauses in breathing while sleeping that last anywhere from ten seconds to several minutes.

Vice

When we held in Seminole Tribe that sovereign immunity barred an action brought under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act against the State of Florida for its alleged failure to negotiate a gambling compact with the Seminole Tribe of Indians, we did not pause to consider whether Florida’s decision not to negotiate was somehow involuntary.

Cornell University

But The King's Speech has won almost universal praise for its portrayal of the reluctant monarch's stuttering, a speech pattern that includes involuntary repetition of sounds and syllables and "speech blocks" that cause prolonged pauses.

Harvard University

He repurposes and re-edits existing footage of politicians and celebrities, zeroing in on and amplifying all the awkward pauses and tells in split-second facial tics, sideways glances, and involuntary gestures (such as Trump's habitual shifting of objects away from him).

The Guardian

His speech appeared involuntary.

The New York Times

It should be involuntary".

The New Yorker

It was involuntary.

The New York Times

"Incel?" "Involuntary celibate".

The New Yorker

Some involuntary twitches.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "involuntary pause" to describe moments of unexpected or uncontrolled interruption, particularly in situations involving emotional or physical reactions.

Common error

Avoid using "involuntary pause" when the pause is a conscious choice or strategic decision. The phrase implies a lack of control, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "involuntary pause" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of interruption or cessation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes an action halting without intention.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "involuntary pause" is used to describe an unintentional break or interruption. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and can be useful in various contexts to express the lack of control over a temporary cessation of action or speech. It is important to differentiate it from deliberate pauses, which are intentional and used for effect. Common contexts include news, academia, and encyclopedic writing. While the phrase is not overly common, understanding its proper use can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

involuntary cessation

A more formal synonym maintaining the 'involuntary' aspect.

unintentional break

Focuses on the lack of intention behind the pause.

spontaneous cessation

Highlights the sudden and unplanned nature of the stop.

unbidden hesitation

Emphasizes the unexpected and unwelcome aspect of the pause.

instinctive pause

Highlights that the pause is triggered by instinct.

reflexive interruption

Suggests the pause is a reaction or reflex.

automatic suspension

Implies the pause occurs without conscious control, like a machine.

sudden lull

Emphasizes the abrupt and temporary nature of the pause.

inadvertent stoppage

Stresses the accidental nature of the interruption.

unwilled silence

Highlights the lack of conscious decision in the pause, focusing on silence.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "involuntary pause" in a sentence?

Use "involuntary pause" to describe a break in action or speech that occurs without conscious control, often due to surprise, shock, or a physical reaction. For example: "During her speech, she experienced an "involuntary pause" when she saw the audience's shocked expressions."

What's the difference between "involuntary pause" and "deliberate pause"?

"Involuntary pause" signifies a pause that happens unintentionally, often due to a physical or emotional response. A "deliberate pause", on the other hand, is a conscious and intentional break used for emphasis or effect.

Are there formal alternatives to "involuntary pause"?

Yes, you can use more formal alternatives such as "unintentional interruption" or "spontaneous cessation" depending on the specific context you need.

Is "involuntary pause" appropriate for scientific writing?

Yes, "involuntary pause" is appropriate for scientific writing when describing a reaction or event that occurs without conscious control. However, be sure the context clearly indicates the lack of intention.