lull

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "lull" is a perfectly acceptable and frequently used word in written English.
It is a noun which has two meanings: 1. a temporary period of calm or lack of activity 2. a period of light sleep or rest For example, After the loud thunderstorm, there was a lull in the rain.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For me the lull before the storm was illustrated by the complacent attitude of the Federal Reserve's vice-chairman Stanley Fischer, in his question and answer session after the annual Per Jacobsson lecture – not least when he dismissed that great central banking veteran Paul Volcker's call for a more structured international financial system.

The Guardian

Facts are a major inconvenience in that time lull between the polls closing and a result being declared.

The Guardian

A lull to kick the season off would invoke memories of 2013, a season most in San Jose want to put behind them.

The Guardian - Sport

Whether the current lull in webisode production signals the end of the format entirely, or merely a shift in the landscape to a more rigorous studio system remains to be seen.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Unfortunately this year we didn't get any lull in the summer – that is, last winter didn't really stop, it kept going all year round," says Mann.

The Guardian

However, during the lull between the ballots closing and the results starting to come in there will be comedy from impressionist Jon Culshaw and musings from commentators including Ian Hislop.

The Guardian

It has begun the 42-day countdown to be declared Ebola-free during each lull.

The Guardian

Fighting resumed near Donetsk and Luhansk following a brief lull before New Year's and has intensified over the past week.

The Guardian

This apathy should not lull republicans and nationalists into the illusion that the "Prods" have given up.

The Guardian

When I was at boarding school she was meticulous about turning up to school functions but always had a file of paperwork to sign or read when there was a lull in proceedings.

The Guardian

Whether this is a lull before the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro or a more significant change of public mood remains to be seen.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lull" as a verb, consider its soothing connotation. "The music lulled the baby to sleep" indicates a gentle and calming effect.

Common error

Avoid using "lull" to describe a permanent state of inactivity or calmness. "Lull" implies a temporary pause, not a final cessation. Use words like "cessation" or "end" to describe permanent states.

Linguistic Context

The word "lull" functions primarily as a noun denoting a temporary pause or calm, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig. It can also serve as a verb, meaning to soothe or calm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "lull" functions both as a noun and a verb, primarily describing a temporary pause or a calming influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, notably in News & Media. When using "lull", remember that it implies a transient state, not a permanent condition. Related phrases include "quiet period" and "brief respite", offering subtle variations in meaning. Keep in mind that although "lull" is a grammatically sound word, some better word choices might be more suitable depending on the kind of context used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quiet period

Focuses on the absence of noise or disturbance, rather than necessarily implying a preceding or subsequent increase in activity.

calm spell

Emphasizes a period of peacefulness and tranquility, often in contrast to a more turbulent situation.

temporary pause

Highlights the transient nature of the break or interruption.

brief respite

Suggests a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant.

interim

Emphasizes the time between events; slightly more formal.

ceasefire

Specifically refers to a temporary suspension of fighting in a conflict.

downtime

Indicates a period of inactivity, often used in the context of work or technology.

hiatus

Implies a planned or formal interruption, typically in a series or activity.

break

A general term for a pause or interruption.

interlude

A brief period that interrupts something, often of a different nature.

FAQs

How can I use "lull" in a sentence?

You can use "lull" to describe a temporary period of calm, like "There was a "quiet period" in the fighting" or as a verb meaning to soothe, as in "The gentle music can "calm spell" you to sleep".

What's a good alternative to the phrase "lull before the storm"?

Alternatives include "calm before the storm", "temporary pause before the chaos", or "quiet before the onslaught". These phrases emphasize the impending return to activity.

Is it correct to say "a lull in activity"?

Yes, "a lull in activity" is correct. It refers to a "temporary pause" or decrease in the level of action or busyness.

What is the difference between "lull" and "respite"?

"Lull" suggests a temporary period of calm or inactivity, often occurring naturally. "Brief respite", on the other hand, implies a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant. Respite suggests a welcome break, while lull is more neutral.