reached a pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reached a pause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a moment of stillness or a break in action or speech. Example: "After several hours of discussion, the team reached a pause to gather their thoughts before continuing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And, now, despite the sensational revelations promised by the authorities, the investigation of the plot that was to overthrow the Republican régime in France seems to have reached a "pause".

The New York Times

While the hearings on racial profiling have reached a pause, the senators have essentially made their case against Justice Verniero, who made it to the Supreme Court in 1999 by one vote in the Senate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

After Rho reaches a paused RNAP, other transcription factors such as NusA and NusG also participate in the transcript release process.

Chemical Reviews

The bigger question of the cruelty and appropriateness of non-stunning slaughter be it for Halal or for Kosher food seems to have reached a political pause at the moment with the government declaring it would continue after a long consultation.

BBC

Thus began a saga that seemed to have reached an uneasy pause last December, when the company withdrew its application, claiming that the level of information being requested from it was "far higher than that for any other previous planning application that we have been involved with".

The Guardian

3.29pm: We seem to have reached a bit of a pause, ahead of Angela Merkel's press conference (which was scheduled for 14 45 GMT, so in about 15 minutes time).

The Guardian - Business

Once the 45 cmH2O PIP had been reached, a 30-second end-inspiratory pause was performed using the inspiratory pause function.

Critical Care

Near the street, he reached a terraced area, and paused.

The New York Times

But by some agreement they reached a bench where they could pause: she on the seat, he, folded under himself, at her feet.

Independent

Our conversation reaches an awkward pause when it is revealed to him that the school lists its corporate headquarters not just in Basel, Switzerland and Paris, but also Qeshm Island.

Vice

[pause] Tonight, we've reached a milestone in our nation's march toward a more perfect union: the first time that a major party has nominated a woman for president.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reached a pause" to indicate a deliberate or noticeable interruption in an ongoing activity or process. It's effective for describing moments of reflection, transition, or temporary cessation before resuming.

Common error

Avoid using "reached a pause" when you intend to convey a complete and permanent cessation. This phrase implies a temporary break, not a final conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reached a pause" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the point at which an activity or process is temporarily stopped. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its usage in describing interruptions in political investigations and scientific processes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reached a pause" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a temporary interruption in an activity or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting examples across News & Media and Science contexts. While versatile, it is important to reserve this expression for temporary breaks, not permanent endings. Consider alternatives such as "came to a standstill" or "halted temporarily" for variations in meaning. Ludwig's examples showcase how "reached a pause" can be used to describe deliberate breaks and provide context on appropriate register and usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

halted temporarily

Focuses on the temporary nature of the stop, suggesting a planned or expected resumption of activity.

came to a standstill

Implies a complete cessation of movement or progress, often suggesting a more abrupt stop than "reached a pause".

entered a lull

Suggests a temporary period of quiet or inactivity, often implying a calm or peaceful interval.

was temporarily suspended

Implies a more formal or official suspension of activity, often by an authority or organization.

hit a snag

Indicates a sudden obstacle or problem that causes a temporary delay or interruption.

experienced an interruption

Highlights the act of being stopped or disrupted, often by an external force or event.

met with a delay

Highlights the fact that progress has been slowed or postponed, often due to unforeseen circumstances.

took a breather

Emphasizes the act of pausing for rest or relaxation, often implying physical or mental exertion.

broke off momentarily

Suggests a brief and abrupt cessation of activity, often for a specific reason or purpose.

marked a hiatus

Implies a formal or deliberate break in activity, often for a significant period of time.

FAQs

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

You can use "reached a pause" to describe a temporary interruption in an activity, such as "After several hours of discussion, the team "reached a pause" to gather their thoughts".

What are some alternatives to saying "reached a pause"?

Consider alternatives like "came to a standstill", "halted temporarily", or "experienced an interruption", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "reached a pause"?

Yes, "reached a pause" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate a temporary stop or break in an activity or process.

What is the difference between "reached a pause" and "came to a halt"?

"Reached a pause" suggests a temporary break, while "came to a halt" implies a more sudden and complete stop. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.