put it on pause

USAGE SUMMARY

"put it on pause" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to mean that an activity or process should be temporarily stopped. For example: "We need to put this project on pause while we figure out a better plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Check back every 15 minutes, or put it on PAUSE (press A and B button to pause or unpause) until you have time to play again.

WikiHow

We just put it on pause".

The New York Times - Sports

Response to the study was so great that doctors had to put it on pause.

MIT Technology Review

Those results won't end the tedious debate about which player is the best, which player is the GOAT, but at least it might put it on pause for a few weeks so that everyone else can enjoy the rest of the World Cup without it.

Forbes

Begin by quieting the mind or, as my mentor taught me long ago, "Put it on pause".

HuffPost

Try not to put it on pause other wise the character will not move and the time still runs and that will affect the growing!! (takes longer!!).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He put it on, then paused: shuffled pages, squared off the stack of paper, touched what he had accomplished.

The Guardian - Books

"It was like I was watching the film, and putting it on pause, and giving a back story to the story," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

According to Jay-Z: "It was like I was watching the film, and putting it on pause, and giving a back story to the story.

Wikipedia

It didn't finish the story, but put it on a tantalizing pause.

The New York Times - Arts

As you watch Ruby with her nephew, it's clear that she hasn't entirely let go of her life, but instead put it on long-term pause.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put it on pause" when you want to convey a temporary stop to an activity or process, with the clear intention of resuming it later. It's ideal for situations where a complete stop is not desired.

Common error

Avoid using "put it on pause" if the intention is to stop something indefinitely. Alternatives like "abandon", "discontinue", or "terminate" are more appropriate for permanent stops.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put it on pause" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of temporarily stopping an activity or process. Ludwig shows that the phrase is commonly used in various contexts to indicate a temporary interruption.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "put it on pause" is an idiomatic expression used to indicate a temporary stop to an activity or process. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Wiki contexts, reflecting its neutral register and widespread understanding. While alternatives like "suspend temporarily" or "put on hold" exist, "put it on pause" specifically emphasizes a temporary interruption with the intention of resuming the activity later. Remember to avoid using it when a permanent cessation is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put on hold

Indicates a state of waiting or suspension.

suspend temporarily

Focuses on the temporary nature of the interruption.

hold in abeyance

Emphasizes a state of postponement or temporary inactivity.

cease temporarily

Emphasizes that the action has stopped but will resume at a later time.

table for later

Highlights the intention to revisit the matter at a future time.

halt temporarily

Similar to "cease temporarily", but emphasizes a more sudden stop.

shelve temporarily

Implies placing something aside for a certain period.

defer consideration

Underscores delaying a decision or action.

postpone action

Directly indicates the act of delaying something.

take a break from

Suggests a temporary cessation for rest or recuperation.

FAQs

How can I use "put it on pause" in a sentence?

You can use "put it on pause" to indicate a temporary suspension. For example, "We need to "put it on pause" while we gather more information."

What is a good synonym for "put it on pause"?

A good synonym for "put it on pause" is "put on hold". Both phrases suggest a temporary cessation of an activity.

Is it grammatically correct to say "put it on pause"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "put it on pause". Ludwig confirms its validity and common usage.

What's the difference between "put it on pause" and "cancel"?

"Put it on pause" implies a temporary stop with the intention to resume later. "Cancel" indicates a permanent termination. Therefore, "put it on pause" is suitable for temporary interruptions, while "cancel" is for ending something completely.