pause briefly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pause briefly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a short stop or interruption in speech or action. Example: "Before continuing with the presentation, I would like to pause briefly to gather my thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Although gay, he did pause briefly to live with Cher.

The Guardian

Let's pause briefly while you go take some antidizziness pills.

The New York Times - Arts

Pause briefly to allow them to correct you.

The Guardian - Money

Pause briefly to remember that these gents were working for Stalin, then let us move on.

The New York Times - Books

We pause briefly on the lower deck to watch another half-inning.

The New Yorker

Ask them where they studied and some pause briefly before replying, "Here".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

She paused briefly.

The New York Times

He pauses briefly.

The New York Times

She pauses briefly.

The New Yorker

Lamont pauses briefly.

The Guardian

Then he paused briefly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pause briefly" to create emphasis or anticipation in writing or speech. A short pause can draw attention to what follows.

Common error

Avoid using "pause briefly" excessively, as too many pauses can disrupt the flow of your writing or speech and make it sound disjointed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pause briefly" functions as a verb phrase where 'pause' is the main verb, and 'briefly' is an adverb modifying it. It indicates a temporary cessation of an action, as supported by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pause briefly" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate a short interruption in an activity or speech. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and applicable across various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and academic writing. The frequency analysis reveals its common usage, particularly in news and media sources. For alternatives, consider "hesitate momentarily" or "stop for a second", depending on the desired nuance. When using "pause briefly", remember that while it’s effective for emphasis, overuse can disrupt the flow. The phrase is a reliable tool for writers and speakers aiming to add a touch of deliberate interruption to their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hesitate momentarily

Emphasizes a temporary reluctance or uncertainty, similar to a brief pause.

break momentarily

Focuses on the interruption of an ongoing process, similar to a brief pause.

suspend momentarily

Highlights the temporary suspension of an action, akin to a brief pause.

stop for a second

Indicates a very short stop, focusing on the brevity of the interruption.

take a short break

Suggests a small respite from an activity, highlighting the temporary nature of the pause.

interrupt for a moment

Emphasizes the action of interrupting something for a short duration.

hold up for an instant

Focuses on delaying something for a very short amount of time.

recess briefly

Suggests a formal or structured break, like a meeting or session being paused.

take a breather

Implies stopping to rest or recover, with an emphasis on relaxation during the pause.

desist for a moment

Implies ceasing an action temporarily, with a slightly more formal tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "pause briefly" to indicate a short stop in an action or speech. For example, "He decided to "pause briefly" before answering the question".

What are some alternatives to "pause briefly"?

Some alternatives include "hesitate momentarily", "stop for a second", or "take a short break", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "pause briefly"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Pause" is a verb, and "briefly" is an adverb modifying the verb, indicating the manner in which the pause is executed.

What is the difference between "pause briefly" and "pause for a moment"?

While both phrases indicate a short stop, "pause for a moment" may imply a slightly longer duration or a more deliberate action compared to ""pause briefly"".