pause for reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pause for reflection" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to suggest that a person should take a moment to think about a situation or to consider their actions and reactions. For example, "Before responding to the comment, she took a pause for reflection to think about the consequences of her words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No harm in that: a pause for reflection may help.

The Economist

If the inspections findings don't tally with the intelligence, it's pause for reflection.

The Guardian

On this day, though, a moment to pause for reflection amid the sensory assault.

The New York Times

However, the circumstances and the alignment of forces were different enough to give pause for reflection.

The Guardian - Opinion

Roger Federer took a five-minute pause for reflection at noon yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

Sarah verbally and physically assaults Jeremiah; there is no pause for reflection, only more abuse.

The New York Times - Books

This week's pause for reflection on the robustness of global stockmarkets came at just the right time.

The Economist

The BWF said this pause for reflection would allow "a dialogue with the players on the guidelines".

Independent

"Jolene: a Life" happily breezes through Jolene's romantic misadventures, never stopping to pause for reflection or rumination.

Independent

Mr Kerry is offering a pause for reflection and consolidation, a left fork rather than a sharp left turn.

The Economist

Yet during the past year's "pause for reflection", plenty of ideas have been put forward by the continent's leaders.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pause for reflection" when you want to suggest a deliberate moment to consider implications or evaluate a situation before proceeding.

Common error

While "pause for reflection" is useful, excessive use can slow down the pace of a narrative. Opt for more dynamic phrasing when momentum is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pause for reflection" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or following a preposition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used to denote a temporary stop to consider something carefully.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pause for reflection" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to advocate for careful consideration. According to Ludwig AI, it encourages individuals or groups to temporarily halt and think deeply about a situation before acting. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, but also appears in Formal & Business and Scientific contexts. To ensure stylistic variation, consider using alternatives such as "moment of contemplation" or "time for introspection". While versatile, avoid overuse in narratives where pacing is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moment of contemplation

Focuses on the act of thoughtful consideration.

time for introspection

Emphasizes self-examination and internal reflection.

period of consideration

Highlights the duration spent thinking something over.

opportunity to contemplate

Stresses the availability of a chance to reflect.

space for deliberation

Indicates an environment conducive to careful thought.

chance to reassess

Suggests a review or re-evaluation of a situation.

time to mull over

Implies thinking deeply about something over a period.

opportunity to ponder

Focuses on the act of weighing thoughts and ideas.

moment to think deeply

Emphasizes the intensity of the thought process.

respite for consideration

Highlights a break or pause specifically for thinking.

FAQs

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

You can use "pause for reflection" to indicate a moment of thoughtful consideration, as in, "The decision warrants a "pause for reflection" before any action is taken".

What are some alternatives to "pause for reflection"?

Consider using alternatives like "moment of contemplation", "time for introspection", or "period of consideration" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "pause for reflection"?

While grammatically correct, overuse or using it in contexts requiring immediate action might be stylistically inappropriate. Ensure the context warrants a deliberate moment of thought.

What's the difference between "pause for reflection" and "pause for thought"?

"Pause for reflection" often implies a deeper, more considered thought process, while "pause for thought" can suggest a briefer, more immediate consideration.