pause for emphasis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pause for emphasis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to highlight a particular point or statement by suggesting a brief moment of silence or reflection before continuing. Example: "The results were clear: we need to change our strategy. Pause for emphasis. Our current approach is not working."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

A pause, for emphasis.

The Guardian

A slight pause for emphasis.

The Guardian - Film

I also feel personally maligned [dramatic pause for emphasis] and I do not appreciate it...

The New York Times

"We would like to announce that in 2012," he said, pausing, "that we will both be" — another pause for emphasis — "voting!" But seriously.

The New York Times

"At the end of the day, all those criticisms that get thrown at me, they don't pay my mortgage, so until they do …" Her delivery, for these interludes of indignation, becomes staccato and stage-school, slightly overdone, with a pause for emphasis after each word and a terrifying urgency … "Until.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As he recited from a prepared statement, he included the stage directions, such as "Pause for emphasis," which had been inserted by his speechwriter.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Weis paused for emphasis, then said, "And it's miserable".

The New York Times - Sports

He paused for emphasis, and added: "And freedom".

The New York Times

"We serve French cuisine," he added, then paused for emphasis.

The New York Times

He paused for emphasis and then, holding me in place, declared that our lunch was personal, not business.

The New York Times - Food

"I tell you," Mr. Hirschfeld said, pausing for emphasis and fluffing his beard, "I have no idea".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pause for emphasis" sparingly to maximize its impact. Overuse can diminish its effectiveness and make your writing seem contrived.

Common error

Avoid explicitly writing "pause for emphasis" in formal writing. Instead, create the pause through sentence structure and punctuation. The reader should feel the pause, not be told to pause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pause for emphasis" primarily functions as a rhetorical device, instructing the speaker or writer (or reader) to create a moment of silence designed to amplify the impact of a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

20%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Tech

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pause for emphasis" is a rhetorical device that instructs the reader to pause for effect, is a grammatically correct phrase, and is considered neutral in tone. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a valid and usable phrase in written English. Although the examples from Ludwig are limited, the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Lifestyle contexts. When using "pause for emphasis", writers should avoid overusing it and should instead create the desired pause through sentence structure. Alternatives such as "strategic pause" or "dramatic pause" may also be appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intentional pause

Focuses on the conscious decision to pause in order to create impact.

significant pause

Emphasizes the importance or weight of the pause in conveying meaning.

dramatic pause

Highlights the theatrical or impactful nature of the pause, often used for suspense.

brief silence for effect

Specifies the purpose of the silence is to create a specific impact on the audience.

calculated silence

Highlights the deliberate planning and strategic use of silence.

strategic pause

Emphasizes the calculated nature of the pause, suggesting it's a deliberate tactic.

purposeful silence

Underscores the intentionality behind the silence as a means of adding weight.

pregnant pause

Implies the pause is filled with unspoken meaning or anticipation.

moment of reflection

Suggests the pause is intended to encourage contemplation or consideration.

a beat of silence

Focuses on the silence itself as a tool for emphasis, rather than the act of pausing.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "pause for emphasis" in my writing?

Employ "pause for emphasis" by strategically placing short, impactful sentences followed by a brief silence (created through punctuation like an em dash or ellipsis) to allow the reader to absorb the information. For example: "The stakes are high... pause for emphasis... everything is on the line."

What are some alternatives to "pause for emphasis" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "strategic pause", "dramatic pause", or "significant pause" to achieve a similar effect.

Is it appropriate to literally write '(pause for emphasis)' in a script or screenplay?

Yes, in scripts and screenplays, it is acceptable (and sometimes necessary) to include stage directions like '(pause for emphasis)' to guide the actor's performance. However, avoid such explicit directions in narrative prose.

How does a "pause for emphasis" differ from a regular pause in speaking or writing?

A regular pause might occur for breath or thought processing, while a "pause for emphasis" is a deliberate technique used to highlight a key point, create suspense, or allow the audience to fully consider the implications of what was just said.