long breaks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long breaks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to extended periods of time away from work, study, or activity, often for rest or relaxation. Example: "After a few hours of intense studying, I like to take long breaks to recharge my mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

No more long breaks at Easter.

The Guardian - Opinion

You took some long breaks between work, correct?

The New York Times - Magazine

His news conference lasted just eight minutes and was punctuated by long breaks between questions.

The New York Times - Sports

He added, with long breaks to maintain his composure, "I've committed despicable crimes".

The New York Times

The party lasted more than five hours, with short sets interrupted by long breaks.

The New York Times - Arts

"The Sopranos" frequently took long breaks, sometimes a year or more, between seasons.

The New York Times - Arts

He would take long breaks between tournaments and, occasionally, critics questioned his focus.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's feels like a sea of advertising," he said of the long breaks.

The New York Times

Many refugee children have had long breaks in their schooling or none at all.

The Guardian

(Some bands, like Wire and Public Image Ltd., take very long breaks that just look like break-ups).

The New Yorker

He likes to take long breaks for exercise during the day and to tuck himself in bed by 10pm.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In writing, avoid overuse of "long breaks" in a narrative to maintain reader engagement; vary sentence structure and pacing.

Common error

Avoid using "long breaks" when you mean a complete and permanent stop. "Long breaks" implies a temporary cessation with an intended return, while a complete stop suggests finality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long breaks" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI examples show it referring to extended periods of rest or inactivity. It signifies a duration of time set aside from work or other activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

18%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long breaks" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase referring to extended periods of rest or inactivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and informal settings. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure the intended meaning is clear – distinguishing it from complete cessation, and considering alternatives like "extended hiatus" or "significant pause" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Strategic incorporation of planned "long breaks" is advisable to help avoid burnout and ensure optimal productivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drawn-out break

Emphasizes the stretched or prolonged nature of the period away from activity.

significant pause

Highlights the interruption or cessation of an activity, focusing on the length of the pause.

extended hiatus

Implies a more formal or significant interruption, often in a professional or creative context.

extended downtime

Emphasizes a period of inactivity, often in a technical or operational context.

prolonged recess

Suggests a formal or scheduled pause, often in academic or legal settings.

substantial respite

Implies a period of relief or rest from a demanding activity or situation.

lengthy intermission

Specifically refers to a break during a performance or event.

considerable lapse

Suggests an interruption or gap in time, often with negative connotations.

wide gap

Implies a long interval between two connected events or activities.

major layoff

Refers to a more considerable, formally declared and sometimes involuntary break from a working activity.

FAQs

How can I use "long breaks" effectively in my work schedule?

Incorporate strategic "long breaks" to prevent burnout. Use these breaks for activities completely unrelated to work, such as exercise or hobbies, to allow your mind to fully disengage and recharge.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "long breaks"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "extended hiatus", "prolonged recess", or "significant pause".

Is it better to take short, frequent breaks or fewer "long breaks"?

Studies suggest that frequent, short breaks are generally more effective for maintaining focus and productivity than infrequent, "long breaks". However, the optimal approach depends on individual work habits and the nature of the task.

How do "long breaks" impact project timelines?

"Long breaks" can extend project timelines if not properly planned. Account for these breaks during the planning phase and adjust deadlines accordingly to ensure realistic expectations and avoid delays.