pause button

USAGE SUMMARY

"pause button" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a button on a device that stops or pauses a process or activity. For example, "The remote control has a pause button that you can press to pause the playback of a movie."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

There is no pause button.

The Guardian - Travel

He presses the pause button.

The Guardian - Travel

Hitting the pause button may be inevitable.

The Economist

Wait is like a pause button.

The New York Times

"Kids don't have a pause button".

The New York Times

An instant pause button freezes the action.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Click the play/pause button to pause the video temporarily.

WikiHow

the Start/Pause button for menus.

WikiHow

Select your song when it loads and press the play/pause button located on the bottom.

WikiHow

To play/pause music, video or photo playback, press the "play/pause" button.

WikiHow

Preview your video using the play/pause button and the location slide-bar.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "pause button" in technical documentation, ensure it aligns with the specific function of the button in the described system or device. Clarify if it allows for seamless resumption or requires specific steps to continue.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "pause button" always offers a seamless return to the exact point of interruption. In some systems, pausing may reset certain parameters or require a manual restart. Always verify the specific behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pause button" primarily functions as a noun, often acting as a subject or object in sentences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely recognized and grammatically sound. Examples from Ludwig show it denoting a physical or virtual button that temporarily halts an activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "pause button" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a button that temporarily halts a process or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is primarily to instruct or inform about pausing, and it appears across various registers, including news, technical documentation, and general instructions. Its high frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources like The New York Times and TechCrunch underscore its widespread acceptance. While alternatives like "halt button" or "stop button" exist, "pause button" specifically implies a temporary cessation with the possibility of seamless resumption. Remember to clarify the specific behavior of the "pause button" in technical contexts to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

halt button

Replaces "pause" with "halt", implying a more abrupt stop.

stop button

Uses "stop" instead of "pause", suggesting a complete cessation rather than a temporary one.

freeze button

Emphasizes the effect of stopping motion or activity, like freezing a frame.

hold button

Suggests maintaining a current state, which is a nuance of pausing.

interrupt button

Focuses on breaking the continuity of an action.

suspend button

Implies a temporary cessation with the possibility of resumption.

standby button

Highlights the readiness for immediate resumption.

break button

Suggests a short intermission in an activity.

time-out button

Specifically indicates a temporary break, often in a structured setting.

delay button

Emphasizes postponing further activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "pause button" to describe the action of temporarily stopping something, such as "Press the "pause button" to take a break during the movie" or "The software includes a "pause button" to halt the process temporarily".

What is another way to say "pause button"?

Alternatives for "pause button" include "halt button", "stop button", or "freeze button", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "pause button" in formal writing?

Yes, "pause button" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing technical features or functions. However, consider the audience and context; in highly formal settings, a more descriptive term might be preferable.

What's the difference between a "pause button" and a "stop button"?

A "pause button" implies a temporary halt with the expectation of resuming from the same point. A "stop button" typically indicates a complete cessation, often requiring a restart to continue.