long pause

USAGE SUMMARY

"long pause" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need to communicate that someone is hesitating before speaking or that there was a period of silence. For example, "There was a long pause before she finally answered my question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Long pause.

The New York Times

(Very long pause).

The New Yorker

A long pause followed.

The Guardian - Sport

A long pause.

Independent

Rahm? (A long pause).

The New Yorker

There's a long pause.

Independent

F: No. (Long pause).

The New Yorker

Deal?" (Long pause).

The New York Times

a long pause.

The Washington Post

Comptroller Brooks: Oh. (Long pause).

The New Yorker

There was a long pause.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "long pause" to effectively build suspense or highlight a character's reluctance or thoughtfulness in dialogue.

Common error

Avoid assuming a "long pause" always indicates uncertainty or negativity; it can also signify deep contemplation or emotional processing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long pause" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject, object, or adverbial modifier to describe a significant break in speech or action. Ludwig AI's examples show its use across varied contexts, highlighting its descriptive capability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "long pause" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to denote a significant break or hesitation in communication. Ludwig AI's analysis, drawing from numerous examples across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, indicates its versatility in creating suspense, revealing character emotions, or emphasizing key points. While alternatives such as "extended silence" or "prolonged hesitation" exist, the phrase remains a common and effective choice for writers aiming to add depth and nuance to their narratives or dialogues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extended silence

Emphasizes the duration of the quiet period.

prolonged hesitation

Highlights the act of hesitating for an extended time.

lengthy delay

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the pause.

noticeable silence

Suggests that the silence was significant and drew attention.

pregnant pause

Implies that the silence is filled with unspoken meaning or anticipation.

significant break

Indicates an important interruption in the flow.

considerable lull

Describes a temporary period of inactivity or quiet.

extended break

Highlights that the pause was longer than usual.

marked hesitation

Emphasizes that the hesitation was distinct and easily observed.

appreciable gap

Focuses on the noticeable interval of silence.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "long pause" in writing?

Use "long pause" to create suspense, reveal a character's hesitation, or emphasize the weight of what is being said or unsaid. It can also signal a shift in mood or topic.

What are some alternatives to "long pause"?

You can use alternatives like "extended silence", "prolonged hesitation", or "noticeable silence" to add variety to your writing.

Is it grammatically correct to use "long pause" in a sentence?

Yes, "long pause" is a grammatically correct phrase. It functions as a noun phrase, often used to describe a period of silence or hesitation within a conversation or narrative.

What does a "long pause" typically signify in communication?

A "long pause" can signify contemplation, hesitation, discomfort, or a significant emotional reaction. The interpretation often depends on the context of the conversation or narrative.