moment of respite

USAGE SUMMARY

"moment of respite" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief pause or interval of relief in a situation or activity that is usually difficult, problematic, or overwhelming. For example, "After the stressful week at work, I welcomed the moment of respite on the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"I'm not sure," he told me in a moment of respite.

The Guardian

From these fairly simple origins as a moment of respite and spiritual conviviality, the tea ceremony grew in complexity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But as Mr. Obama prepares to unveil his national security team next week, he bought himself one moment of respite.

The New York Times

35 min: Borges has got an eyelash in his eye, so there's a brief moment of respite.

The Guardian - Sport

A flash of subtlety in a heinously unsubtle film, and a moment of respite from blood-splattered bedlam.

The Guardian - Film

But in the CFS these women and children have a moment of respite during an otherwise perilous journey.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Liao mentions a few moments of respite.

The New Yorker

She has moments of respite.

The New York Times

Occasionally there are moments of respite.

The New York Times - Arts

Aggressive outbursts were tempered with occasional moments of respite.

The New York Times - Arts

He was suitably poetic in the moments of respite between the many passages of Lisztian bombast.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moment of respite" to describe a temporary break from something challenging, stressful, or unpleasant. It often implies a welcome relief.

Common error

Avoid using "moment of respite" to describe a break from enjoyable activities. The phrase implies relief from a burden or difficulty, not simply a pause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moment of respite" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a brief period of relief or temporary interruption from a difficult or stressful situation. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in conveying a sense of welcomed relief.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moment of respite" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is used to describe a temporary break from a difficult or stressful situation, with a primary usage context in news and media. The phrase carries a neutral to formal register, and while alternatives like "minute of respite" or "short break" exist, "moment of respite" conveys a specific sense of welcomed relief that is appropriate for both formal and semi-formal contexts. Therefore, writers can confidently use this phrase when accurately depicting a brief period of relief or interruption. Ludwig's examples clearly support this conclusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minute of respite

Replaces "moment" with "minute", indicating a potentially shorter duration.

moment of relaxation

Substitutes "respite" with "relaxation", emphasizing the calming aspect of the break.

brief interruption

Focuses on the temporary cessation of an activity or situation.

short break

Simplifies the phrase to emphasize the brevity of the pause.

fleeting pause

Highlights the transient nature of the interruption.

temporary lull

Suggests a period of quiet or inactivity amidst greater activity.

breather

A more informal term for a short rest or break.

time out

Emphasizes a deliberate interruption for rest or reflection.

interlude

Implies a period of contrasting activity or experience.

reprieve

Suggests a temporary suspension of punishment or hardship.

FAQs

How can I use "moment of respite" in a sentence?

You can use "moment of respite" to describe a short period of relief from stress or difficulty. For example, "The coffee break provided a much-needed moment of respite from the demanding workday".

What are some alternatives to "moment of respite"?

Alternatives include "minute of respite", "moment of relaxation", or "short break", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "moment of respite" in formal writing?

Yes, "moment of respite" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing a temporary relief from difficulty. The phrase is widely used in news, media, and encyclopedic contexts.

What is the difference between "moment of respite" and "moment of relief"?

"Moment of relief" generally refers to the feeling of being freed from anxiety or pain, while "moment of respite" implies a temporary pause or break from a demanding situation. While related, "moment of relief" focuses on the emotional outcome, and "moment of respite" focuses on the pause itself.