little pause for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little pause for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a brief moment of interruption or break in a conversation or activity. Example: "Let's take a little pause for reflection before we continue with the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

That assures zippy acceleration when you really need it -- say, if you are passing on a two-lane road -- with little pause for "turbo lag".

The New York Times

It was only a little pause for Baxter, who said he looked at Pettitte's statistics and appreciated his durability, consistency and adaptability, particularly how he won 37 games with a 3.38 E.R.A. in three seasons in Houston.

The New York Times - Sports

Since Hockney was by then actually putting the book together, those first 200 pages of glorious illustrations were largely organized and annotated with little beyond such presumptions to support the thesis offered, and with apparently little pause for alternative thoughts.

The New York Times - Books

He answers questions with little pause for thought and once our meeting is up he bolts from his chair at near breakneck speed, leaving behind the sense that he never wanted to be there in the first place.

The Guardian - Sport

As with an addict, there's little pause for moral or legal contemplation.

Forbes

The Economist has always been a supporter of the neoliberal orthodoxy that has taken such a heavy toll on Tilbury, but that appeared to give Bagehot little pause for thought.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Then, after a little pause, he adds "showbusiness", for extra clarification, just in case you thought he was talking about car manufacturing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Going forward for the rest of the week, you may see a little pause because people are waiting for the economic data release Friday, because that may give an indication what the Fed's going to do about interest rates".

Huffington Post

That's alwaysgood for a little pause between the appetizerand the entrée.

The New York Times - Books

A little pause.

The New York Times

Little paused, and said, "That's funny.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "little pause for" to create a sense of anticipation or transition in your writing. It subtly prepares the reader for a change in topic or a shift in focus.

Common error

Avoid using "little pause for" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little pause for" functions primarily as an introductory element, signaling a momentary cessation or a brief opportunity for something to occur. Ludwig's examples show it introducing reflection, laughter, or a shift in focus.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "little pause for" is a grammatically correct phrase that introduces a brief moment or break. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. It is most commonly found in News & Media, carrying a neutral register and serving to create anticipation or transition. When writing, ensure to avoid overusing the phrase, and consider alternatives to maintain variety. While not very common, it can be used successfully to signify a moment of contemplation, consideration, or any short stoppage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short break for

Substitutes 'pause' with 'break', indicating a temporary interruption.

brief respite for

Replaces 'pause' with 'respite', emphasizing a short period of rest or relief.

slight interruption for

Replaces 'pause' with 'interruption', highlighting a disruption in continuity.

fleeting moment for

Emphasizes the brevity of the pause using 'fleeting moment'.

quick interval for

Replaces 'pause' with 'interval', suggesting a short period between events.

small recess for

Uses 'recess' instead of 'pause', indicating a temporary cessation or break.

momentary suspension for

Highlights the temporary nature of the pause with 'momentary suspension'.

brief cessation for

Replaces 'pause' with 'cessation', emphasizing a stop or termination.

short interlude for

Uses 'interlude' instead of 'pause', suggesting a brief intervening period.

passing lull for

Replaces 'pause' with 'lull', highlighting a temporary period of quiet or inactivity.

FAQs

How can I use "little pause for" in a sentence?

You can use "little pause for" to introduce a brief moment of reflection or a change in subject. For example, "Let's take a "little pause for" reflection before we make a decision."

What are some alternatives to "little pause for"?

Alternatives include "brief respite for", "short break for", or "fleeting moment for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "little pause for" formal or informal?

"Little pause for" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone.

What's the difference between "little pause for" and "pause for"?

Adding "little" emphasizes the brevity or insignificance of the pause. "Pause for" is a more general instruction or observation, while "little pause for" implies a very short duration.