pause for a while

USAGE SUMMARY

"pause for a while" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate a brief break or intermission in an action or activity. For example, "The presentation was going smoothly until the presenter started to stumble over her words, so she took a moment to pause for a while before continuing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

If the flavor starts to wane, pause for a while, and have something to drink.

The New York Times

This morning I finished reading So Long, See You Tomorrow and was left wanting to pause for a while.

Stanford University

"We've never seen anything like this in Donetsk before," said Vladimir Olenseivitch, a lawyer, "I thought after the election Poroshenko would pause for a while, but the situation has become worse".

Independent

So yes, this book has its pleasures, but even confirmed admirers might want the posthumous career to pause for a while, before the marginal works start to crowd out the masterpieces.

Independent

While we are not making any changes to our fundamental views for the UK housing market in 2011 or 2012, we think the sector share prices may pause for a while.

The Guardian - Business

AGAIN to a secret city place: the easternmost, uppermost deck of Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport in Lower Manhattan, a sanctuary in the midst of tourists, where lounge chairs bolted to the floorboards all but demand that you pause for a while and consider.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

She pauses for a while to think.

The Guardian - Arts

She pauses for a while before answering.

The Guardian

He pauses for a while, deep in thought.

The Guardian - Film

He paused for a while, and the pan flutes filled the silence.

The New Yorker

She pauses for a while then says softly but firmly: "No".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pause for a while" to suggest a deliberate, albeit temporary, break from an activity, allowing for reflection or a change of pace. For example, "After working intensely on the project, it's important to pause for a while to avoid burnout."

Common error

Avoid structuring sentences passively when using "pause for a while". Instead of saying "The project was paused for a while", opt for a more direct approach like "We paused the project for a while" for clearer and more engaging writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pause for a while" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a temporary cessation or interruption of an action. It is commonly used to suggest a brief break or intermission.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pause for a while" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, functioning as a verb phrase indicating a temporary break or cessation. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability for general use. While not exceedingly common, it finds frequent use in news and media, as well as academic contexts. The phrase conveys a neutral register, suitable for various settings. For those seeking alternatives, options like "take a break" or "rest for a while" offer similar meanings. When using this phrase, ensure active voice construction for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a break

This alternative is shorter and more direct, implying a brief rest from an activity.

hold off temporarily

This alternative suggests a temporary postponement or suspension of an action.

suspend briefly

This alternative is more formal, implying a temporary interruption of something.

take a breather

This alternative implies a short rest to recover energy or composure.

recess temporarily

This alternative is suitable in formal contexts, such as legal or parliamentary settings.

take a short intermission

This alternative is more theatrical, suitable for performances or formal events.

discontinue briefly

This alternative suggests a temporary cessation, often in a more formal or technical context.

cease for a moment

This alternative emphasizes the brevity of the pause.

interrupt for a short period

This alternative highlights the interruption aspect of the pause.

break temporarily

This alternative is succinct and emphasizes the temporary nature of the break.

FAQs

How can I use "pause for a while" in a sentence?

You can use "pause for a while" to indicate a temporary break in an activity. For example: "Let's "take a break" and "pause for a while" before continuing with the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "pause for a while"?

Some alternatives to "pause for a while" include "take a break", "rest for a while", or "stop for a while", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "pause for a while" and "stop for a while"?

"Pause for a while" implies a temporary cessation with the intent to resume, while "stop for a while" can suggest a longer or indefinite halt. The difference is subtle but can affect the implied duration and intent.

What's a more formal way to say "pause for a while"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "suspend briefly" or "discontinue briefly" instead of "pause for a while".