rest a little

USAGE SUMMARY

"rest a little" is a commonly used phrase in both spoken and written English.
You can use it when suggesting someone take a break or pause from an activity. For example, "It's been a long day, let's rest a little before getting started on dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They will rest a little easier tonight.

The Economist

"Let him rest a little bit," Howe said.

The New York Times - Sports

For years it seemed that Muslim parents could rest a little easier.

The Economist

Ballooning budget deficits, however, have made investors rest a little less easy, especially with yields still bouncing around record lows.

The New York Times

The Eunice Sanborns of the world, as well as all taxpayers, would rest a little easier at night.

The New York Times

Just rest a little bit today, tomorrow at least, and see how it feels on the weekend.

The Guardian - Sport

"For the ones who want to rest a little bit more between the French and Wimbledon, they'll have that extra week as well.

The New York Times - Sports

There was a decision that the best thing to do was just to take a step back and rest a little bit".

The New York Times - Sports

"My life is decided by passion, and when that's gone, I'll go home and rest a little bit, and try to get that passion back," he added.

The New York Times - Sports

It might not be much, given the threat hanging over them, but during those two months, L.G.B.T. Ugandans can rest a little easier.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The answers were dichotomized into 'not at all' versus the rest ('a little'quiteite a bit', 'very much') to gauge sexual activity and sexual interest.

British Journal of Surgery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When suggesting someone is tired, you can use the phrase "rest a little" to recommend a brief period of inactivity or relaxation.

Common error

While "rest a little" is perfectly acceptable, varying your language can make your writing more engaging. Consider alternatives like "take a short break" or "pause briefly" to avoid repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rest a little" primarily functions as an imperative phrase, often used to suggest or recommend a short period of relaxation or inactivity. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, often related to physical exertion or stress. The phrase encourages a brief pause for recovery, as confirmed by Ludwig's AI analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

22%

Huffington Post

12%

Less common in

British Journal of Surgery

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rest a little" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to suggest a brief period of relaxation or inactivity. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use across various contexts, primarily in news and media and informal settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a simple yet effective way to advise someone to take a break. While widely accepted, consider varying your language with alternatives like "take a short break" to enhance your writing. The frequency of this phrase across diverse sources underscores its everyday applicability and understandability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a short break

Implies a temporary cessation from activity, focusing on the brevity of the pause.

pause briefly

Highlights the momentary nature of the interruption.

relax for a moment

Emphasizes the relaxation aspect of taking a break.

take five minutes

Specifies a short duration for the break.

have a breather

Suggests a short pause to catch one's breath or recuperate.

unwind briefly

Focuses on mental relaxation in a short time.

stop for a second

Emphasizes the immediate cessation of activity.

recharge briefly

Suggests restoring energy in a short period.

catch your breath

Focuses on physical recovery through a short pause.

take a breather

Indicates a short break to regain composure or energy.

FAQs

How can I use "rest a little" in a sentence?

You can use "rest a little" to suggest taking a short break. For example, "You look tired; why don't you "rest a little" before we continue?"

What can I say instead of "rest a little"?

Alternatives include "take a short break", "pause briefly", or "relax for a moment", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "rest a little"?

Yes, "rest a little" is grammatically correct. It's a common and accepted phrase used to suggest a short period of rest or relaxation.

What's the difference between "rest a little" and "take a long rest"?

"Rest a little" implies a short break or pause, while "take a long rest" suggests a more extended period of inactivity. The choice depends on the duration and purpose of the intended rest.