momentary break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "momentary break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief pause or interruption in an activity or process. Example: "After a momentary break, the team resumed their discussion with renewed energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It will be interesting to see if they are a momentary break or a new direction.

The New York Times - Arts

He is scowling, apparently taking a momentary break between lung blasts, and holding his trumpet straight up.

The New York Times

A passage near the end quotes the opening of the B flat Sonata, which followed after a momentary break.

The New York Times

As luck had it, there was a single, momentary break in the rain when "the light was just beautiful," he said.

The New Yorker

It offers a momentary break from the avalanche of verdicts, assumptions, disappointments, and regrets that have come to overwhelm discussions about the Arab Spring, and it allows us to consider what actually occurred in 2011 in the Middle East.

The New Yorker

For Girardi, it was a rare (albeit momentary) break from his usual stone-still character and his practiced and patient responses about his level of concern: panic, what panic?

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

I endured panic attacks, momentary breaks with reality, daydreams so vivid they made me sick.

The New Yorker

During the momentary breaks in his 11-hour workdays, he fielded calls from lawyers and politicians.

The New York Times - Magazine

But as it became clear that he wasn't about to give up, Paul drew support from a host of Republicans, who gave him momentary breaks by posing questions.

Independent

They are momentary breaks from school.

WikiHow

A momentary pause.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "momentary break" when aiming for a slightly more formal tone than alternatives like "quick pause".

Common error

Avoid using "momentary break" to describe extended periods of inactivity or significant disruptions. If the pause is lengthy, opt for phrases like "extended break" or "prolonged interruption" to accurately reflect the duration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "momentary break" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It describes a short, transient interruption or pause. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, denoting a brief cessation of activity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "momentary break" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a brief interruption or pause. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. While it can be used in both formal and informal settings, it's essential to reserve it for truly short pauses, distinguishing it from phrases like "temporary break". Using alternatives like "brief pause" or "fleeting interruption" can add nuance to your writing. Understanding these distinctions will ensure clarity and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief pause

Emphasizes the conciseness of the interruption.

quick pause

Highlights the speed of the interruption.

short respite

Highlights the relieving aspect of the pause.

fleeting interruption

Focuses on the quick and transient nature of the break.

temporary cessation

Stresses that the pause is not permanent.

transient pause

Similar to 'fleeting interruption', but uses more formal language.

brief hiatus

Implies a planned, though short, interruption.

short recess

Suggests a formal or scheduled pause.

passing lull

Indicates a temporary period of quiet or inactivity.

instantaneous pause

Emphasizes the immediacy and brevity of the break.

FAQs

How can I use "momentary break" in a sentence?

You can use "momentary break" to describe a short pause or interruption in an activity. For example: "The speaker took a "momentary break" to gather their thoughts."

What are some alternatives to "momentary break"?

Alternatives include "brief pause", "short respite", or "fleeting interruption", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "momentary break" formal or informal?

"Momentary break" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The choice depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "momentary break" and "temporary break"?

While both imply a non-permanent pause, "momentary break" suggests a shorter duration than "temporary break". Use "momentary" when the pause is very brief and "temporary" when it might last a bit longer.