prolonged pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prolonged pause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or extended period of silence or inactivity in conversation or action. Example: "After a prolonged pause, she finally gathered the courage to speak her mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Yet that long-term play is suddenly over – or at least on prolonged pause – after Shell announced Monday that several factors led it to abandon the project "for the foreseeable future".

Los Angeles Times

After a prolonged pause, his security guard answers apologetically: "They said he was a guest at the hotel," before they get out with Lil Wayne still chuntering.

The Guardian - Music

He also essays a parodic Groucho-like lope in pursuit of the departing Karen and, when Bobby naively asks "what if she just likes me?", Spacey stares at him with a prolonged pause worthy of Jack Benny.

The Guardian

What I admire about Kinnear is that he pays scrupulous attention to language: one notices his prolonged pause when, trying out a speech before the players, he comes across the phrase "blood of fathers".

The Guardian

But the recovery has been weak and faltering, so much so that a committee of economists that dates euro-zone business cycles was reluctant last summer to call it anything more than a "prolonged pause" in the recession.

The Economist

These are the Watch Fightheg Games Ever.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The second movement of the Sibelius had too many wrenching contrasts, and a couple of oddly prolonged pauses sapped the momentum.

The New Yorker

Objective: We examined associations of daily ambient air pollution concentrations with central apnea (prolonged pauses in breathing) and bradycardia (low heart rate) events among infants prescribed home cardiorespiratory monitors.

Environmental Health Perspectives

A new study now links ambient air pollution to an increased risk for apnea (prolonged pauses in breathing) and bradycardia (decreases in heart rate) in babies at high risk for these conditions [ EHP 119 9):1321 1327; Peel et al.].

Environmental Health Perspectives

The objective of this study was to examine daily concentrations of ambient air pollution concentrations in relation to apnea (prolonged pauses in breathing) and bradycardia (low heart rate) events detected in infants, using home monitors, from 1 August 1998 through 31 December 2002.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Our previous study also showed that the addition of ADP to the solution prolonged the pausing time at the binding angle at 25°C (Muneyuki et al, 2007).

EMBO Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prolonged pause" to effectively emphasize a deliberate or noticeable break in conversation, action, or activity. This highlights the significance of the silence or interruption.

Common error

Avoid using "prolonged pause" to describe brief or insignificant silences. Reserve it for moments where the pause genuinely has a noticeable impact or duration. Instead of "prolonged pause", use "brief pause" or "slight hesitation" when describing minor interruptions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "prolonged pause" is as a noun phrase where the adjective "prolonged" modifies the noun "pause". Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prolonged pause" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase that emphasizes an extended break or silence. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans diverse contexts such as News & Media and Science, making it a versatile choice for describing significant interruptions. While alternatives like "extended silence" or "lengthy break" exist, "prolonged pause" distinctly conveys the deliberate nature and duration of the interruption. When writing, ensure its use is reserved for substantial pauses to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extended silence

Focuses on the silence aspect, emphasizing the length of the quiet period.

lengthy break

Highlights the interruption or cessation of activity for a considerable duration.

protracted intermission

Uses more formal language to describe a long interruption, often in a performance or event.

sustained lull

Emphasizes a period of calm or reduced activity that lasts for a significant time.

long-lasting hiatus

Indicates a prolonged period of absence or interruption from a regular activity or process.

drawn-out respite

Suggests a prolonged period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant.

extended delay

Highlights the postponement or deferral of something for an extended period.

long-term standstill

Implies a prolonged period of inactivity or lack of progress.

considerable suspension

Emphasizes the temporary cessation of something for a notable duration.

appreciable pause

Highlights a noticeable or significant interruption or break.

FAQs

How can I use "prolonged pause" in a sentence?

You can use "prolonged pause" to describe an extended period of silence or inactivity. For example, "After a prolonged pause, she finally answered the question" or "The negotiation was marked by a prolonged pause as both sides considered their positions."

What are some alternatives to "prolonged pause"?

Alternatives to "prolonged pause" include "extended silence", "lengthy break", or "protracted intermission", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "prolonged pause" instead of "short pause"?

"Prolonged pause" is appropriate when the silence or break is significantly long and meaningful. Use "short pause" for brief hesitations or silences that do not carry the same weight.

Is "prolonged pause" formal or informal?

"Prolonged pause" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it may be more commonly found in formal writing or speech due to its descriptive nature. Consider the audience and purpose of your communication.