paused for a while

USAGE SUMMARY

"paused for a while" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are describing a situation in which someone or something takes a short break from an action. For example: After jogging for a few miles, he paused for a while to rest.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

Their work is not done, but it may be paused for a while.

The New York Times

When asked to describe their current relationship, Ms. Schroeder paused for a while before answering.

The New York Times

The audience paused for a while at the end, maybe five seconds or more, processing what it had just heard before starting its applause.

The New York Times - Arts

When the existence of Unit 61398 became public its troops paused for a while, then continued as before.Confronting the PLA's hackers comes at a cost.

The Economist

Sam Gregory, the donor-conceived child, paused for a while when I asked him if he'd ever thought about donating sperm himself.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 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

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

The Guardian - TV & Radio

ASKED to name the most significant problem facing Britain, a senior government minister pauses for a while, and then says, "failing boys".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "paused for a while" to indicate a deliberate but temporary stop in an action or conversation, often to gather thoughts or regain composure.

Common error

Avoid using "paused for a while" when a permanent stop is intended. Use alternatives like "stopped completely" or "terminated" to indicate finality.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "paused for a while" is to act as a verb phrase indicating a temporary cessation of an action or speech. This phrase is frequently employed to describe a deliberate break taken to think, rest, or allow others to respond. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "paused for a while" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a temporary halt in an action or conversation. According to Ludwig, it’s considered correct and suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. It functions to indicate a deliberate break, providing opportunities for reflection or interaction. While adaptable across registers, it maintains a neutral tone, useful in objective communication. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively integrate "paused for a while" to control pacing and emphasize specific moments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stopped temporarily

Indicates a halt that isn't permanent, like "paused for a while".

took a short break

Focuses on the 'break' aspect, similar to a pause.

interrupted briefly

Highlights the interruption aspect of the pause.

halted momentarily

Emphasizes the brief nature of the stop.

took a breather

Specifically refers to stopping to rest, often from physical activity.

ceased briefly

A more formal way of saying stopped for a short time.

suspended activity

Highlights that a certain action was put on hold.

broke momentarily

Indicates a brief disruption in something ongoing.

recessed briefly

Similar to taking a break, but can also apply to legal settings.

let up briefly

Often used when referring to easing off or diminishing intensity.

FAQs

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

You can use "paused for a while" to indicate a temporary cessation of an activity. For example, "After speaking, he "paused for a while" to consider his next words."

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

Some alternatives include "stopped temporarily", "took a short break", or "halted momentarily", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "paused for a while"?

Yes, "paused for a while" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both written and spoken English to describe a temporary stop.

What's the difference between "paused for a while" and "stopped permanently"?

"Paused for a while" implies a temporary interruption with the intention of resuming, whereas "stopped permanently" indicates that the activity has ceased indefinitely.