quick pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quick pause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a brief interruption or break in an activity or conversation. Example: "Let's take a quick pause to gather our thoughts before continuing the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

After a quick pause, he added: "OK, maybe the wage ought to be higher in New York".

The Guardian

If you do decide to answer the request to contribute, take a quick pause, and then begin by speaking slowly and clearly.

Harvard Business Review

When I see a woman who's made her face a mask I say: 'I bet, I bet.'" A quick pause for breath.

The Guardian - Film

The second show, which began after a quick pause, had similar features — all black, burgundy, bleach white — and a jaw-dropping cast that included Gisele Bundchen, Shalom Harlow and Carmen Kass.

The New York Times

After a quick pause at the top of his route, Quinn bursts inside on a delayed under, running inside underneath the defense and into the middle of the field.

The Washington Post

After a quick pause, she added "Plus, it's the only time anyone ever touches my body.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Day and night these vanguards moved at double-quick, pausing only for brief ten-minute rests and meals, when the soldiers listened to lectures by their weary political workers, who over and over again explained the importance of this one action, exhorting each to give his last breath, his last urgent strength, for victory in the test ahead of them.

Columbia University

"The tetrapods we know from the latest Devonian would have been strange to our eyes," Stig explains to me as we pause for a quick break from digging.

The Guardian

With pre-copy, the virtual memory is repeatedly copied to the destination while the VM is still running at the source, until the residual number of modified memory pages is small enough to ensure very quick VM pause, transfer and resume.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

In between performances for "Dame Edna's Glorious Goodbye: The Farewell Tour" in San Francisco, the lady--she of stage and screen and fabulous self-glorification and quick wit pauses between performances to fill us on about her state of mind and the road ahead.

HuffPost

However, as is increasingly the case with Twitter, a quick moment to pause and actually do one's own reading around the issue revealed quite a different picture.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quick pause" to signal a momentary break for emphasis, reflection, or to transition between ideas effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "quick pause" excessively in your writing, as it can disrupt the flow and make the text feel disjointed. Opt for smoother transitions or more varied phrasing instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quick pause" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used to describe a brief interruption in an activity or conversation. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it indicates a temporary cessation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

16%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

8%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quick pause" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a brief interruption. According to Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, most notably in News & Media and Wiki sources. The analysis reveals its neutral register, making it suitable for diverse writing styles. When looking for alternative options, consider options such as "brief break", or "short intermission", but take into account that the change in word choice may imply subtle differences in sentence meaning. Remember to avoid overusing the expression in order not to affect the flow of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short break

Emphasizes a rest period of limited duration.

brief interruption

Focuses on the interruption aspect rather than the act of pausing.

fleeting pause

Highlights the transience of the pause.

momentary hesitation

Suggests a brief uncertainty or delay.

swift recess

Implies a rapid and temporary withdrawal.

brief cessation

Formal term for a short stopping of something.

split-second lull

Emphasizes the brevity of the pause.

rapid intermission

A short interval or break that occurs quickly.

cursory pause

Suggests the pause is done quickly and without much attention.

snap hiatus

Highlights the sudden and temporary nature of the pause.

FAQs

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

You can use "quick pause" to describe a brief break in speech or action, such as, "After a "quick pause", she continued her presentation".

What are some alternatives to "quick pause"?

Alternatives include "brief break", "short intermission", or "momentary hesitation", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "quick pause" and "long pause"?

Yes, "quick pause" implies a very short duration, while "long pause" suggests a more extended period of silence or inactivity.

When is it appropriate to use "quick pause" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to indicate a brief interruption for emphasis, reflection, or transition, without significantly disrupting the flow of the text.