mandatory pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mandatory pause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a break or halt is required, often in instructions or guidelines. Example: "During the presentation, there will be a mandatory pause for questions after each section."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Some reforms, involving a mandatory pause to brief parents on test results, are being tried out in three emergency rooms in the New York area to see if they would work as the model for a "Rory's Law".

The New York Times

Tea became an emblem of domestic virtue and temperance – though the temperance movement was initially suspicious of its dangerously stimulant qualities – and the tea break the joyful mandatory pause in an exhausting day's industrial labour.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He even has his own catch phrase: "Seacrest -- out!" (the pause between the two words lasting a mandatory three beats).

The New York Times - Magazine

Special care is mandatory in patients receiving OHP for a long time and/or re-exposing to OHP after a pause.

British Journal of Cancer

A month ago, Uber and Lyft paused operations in Austin after voters defeated Proposition 1, an attempt to overturn mandatory fingerprint-based background checks for Uber and Lyft drivers in the city.

TechCrunch

Exactly a month ago, Uber and Lyft paused operations in Austin after voters defeated Proposition 1, an attempt to overturn mandatory fingerprint-based background checks for Uber and Lyft drivers in the city.

TechCrunch

Okay, pause.

Stanford University

Attendance: mandatory.

The New York Times - Sports

Mandatory backups.

The New York Times

Mandatory minimums.

The Guardian

Pause, pause, beat, beat.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mandatory pause" to clearly indicate a required break or interruption, particularly in formal instructions or procedures. For example, "There will be a "mandatory pause" after each section of the presentation for questions".

Common error

Avoid using "mandatory pause" when referring to a break that is merely recommended or suggested. "Mandatory" implies a strict requirement; use terms like "recommended break" or "optional pause" for non-compulsory interruptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mandatory pause" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "mandatory" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "pause". As shown in the Ludwig examples, it specifies the type of pause.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mandatory pause" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote a required interruption. According to Ludwig, it's primarily found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While the phrase is not very common, it clearly communicates the necessity of a break. When writing, ensure "mandatory pause" is used only when the break is strictly required, and consider alternatives like "required break" or "obligatory cessation" depending on the desired level of formality. Use this phrase to provide clear instructions or emphasize procedural compliance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

required break

Replaces "mandatory" with "required", emphasizing the necessity of the pause.

essential interruption

Replaces "mandatory" with "essential", underscoring the critical nature of the interruption.

obligatory cessation

Uses "obligatory" and "cessation" to convey a more formal and forceful requirement for stopping.

compulsory intermission

Substitutes "mandatory" with "compulsory" and "pause" with "intermission", suggesting a forced break.

necessary suspension

Emphasizes the need for halting an activity using "necessary" and "suspension".

enforced delay

Highlights the forced nature of the pause, using "enforced" and "delay".

prescribed interval

Suggests a pause that is dictated or ordered, with "prescribed" and "interval".

stipulated hiatus

Indicates that the pause is a condition or agreement, employing "stipulated" and "hiatus".

dictated respite

Uses "dictated" and "respite" to show a pause that is commanded or imposed.

legislated recess

Implies that the pause is mandated by law or regulation, utilizing "legislated" and "recess".

FAQs

How can I use "mandatory pause" in a sentence?

You can use "mandatory pause" to indicate a required break or interruption in a process. For example, "The protocol includes a "mandatory pause" to verify equipment settings before proceeding".

What's an alternative to using "mandatory pause"?

Alternatives include "required break", "obligatory cessation", or "compulsory intermission" depending on the level of formality you need.

Is "mandatory pause" formal or informal?

The phrase "mandatory pause" is generally considered neutral to formal. While easily understood, it's suitable for professional, technical, and official contexts. In very informal scenarios, you might opt for a term like "required break".

When is a "mandatory pause" necessary?

A "mandatory pause" is necessary when it is crucial to interrupt a process or activity for safety, verification, or other critical reasons. It ensures adherence to protocols and prevents potential errors.