pause for applause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pause for applause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate a moment for the audience to show appreciation, typically after a performance or speech. Example: "After delivering the final line of her speech, she smiled and took a moment to pause for applause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

(Pause for applause).

The New York Times

(Pause for applause? Perhaps not).

The Guardian

Its structure, however, hewed to flamenco convention: a pause for applause did not mean the number was over.

The New York Times - Arts

It is intense: despite the occasional joke and pause for applause, she lacks the easy bonhomie of former president Lula.

The Guardian

While it cruised through its bulging songbook at the Barbican with barely a pause for applause, senior citizens tapped their toes and ecstatic young converts in the stalls air-drummed percussionist Antonio Sanchez's fills and hits.

The Guardian - Music

At an unveiling of the Model S for Tesla's employees, in Menlo Park, California, Musk read from a PowerPoint presentation, adding his own taglines a beat late: "What's cooler than making a hot product, a sexy product, that also saves the world!" Pause for applause; not forthcoming.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Mr. Soldevila pauses for applause.

The New York Times

He paused for applause, but was met with silence.

The New York Times

"I personally feel I was the Olympic champion that night," he said, pausing for applause.

The New York Times - Sports

"All that hope that we felt when we had that 70,000-person rally in Portland on that beautiful day," Mr. Obama said, pausing for applause.

The New York Times

To give yourself long pauses for applause, though, makes you look grandiose in the bad way, especially if the applause is less thunderous than you give the audience time to shower you with.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing speeches or performance scripts, strategically insert "pause for applause" to indicate intended moments for audience interaction and appreciation. This helps in pacing and creating a connection with the audience.

Common error

Avoid assuming applause will automatically follow a "pause for applause". Gauge the audience's engagement and adjust your delivery accordingly to prevent awkward silences or forced reactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pause for applause" primarily functions as a directive or instruction, often used in scripts or notes to indicate a deliberate break for audience reaction. Ludwig AI shows it marks a point where the speaker or performer expects or allows the audience to clap.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pause for applause" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a planned break in a performance or speech to allow for audience applause. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in news and media. While the phrase itself is straightforward, strategic placement and awareness of audience engagement are key to its effective use. Be mindful of potentially awkward silences and adjust your delivery as necessary. Consider semantically similar alternatives like "moment for applause", or "time for cheers" to vary your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moment for applause

Focuses on the timing and opportunity for the audience to applaud.

break for applause

Suggests a distinct interruption in the performance or speech to allow for applause.

interlude for applause

Implies a brief intervening period specifically for applause.

respite for applause

Emphasizes the pause as a welcome relief or rest, during which applause can occur.

time for cheers

Broader term encompassing various forms of positive audience reaction, not just applause.

space for appreciation

Highlights the opportunity for the audience to show their gratitude and admiration.

room for ovation

Specifies that there is enough time and encouragement to allow an ovation

chance for clapping

Uses a more casual term, “clapping”, instead of applause.

lull for accolades

Indicates a temporary period of inactivity to allow for accolades.

gap for recognition

Emphasizes that there is a moment for the audience to recognize and appreciate

FAQs

How do I use "pause for applause" in a script?

Use "pause for applause" as a stage direction in scripts to indicate where actors or speakers should allow time for audience response. For example: "After delivering the punchline, (pause for applause)".

What's a less formal way to say "pause for applause"?

Less formal alternatives include "moment for applause" or "time for cheers", depending on the context and desired tone.

Is it necessary to always indicate "pause for applause" in a written speech?

No, it's not always necessary. Use it selectively when you anticipate a strong audience reaction or when you want to create a deliberate break in the delivery. Overuse can make a speech seem contrived.

What should I do if there is no applause after a "pause for applause"?

If you don't receive applause, simply continue with your speech or performance smoothly. Avoid drawing attention to the lack of applause, as it can create an awkward situation.