rested briefly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rested briefly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a short period of rest or pause taken by someone. Example: "After a long day of hiking, we rested briefly before continuing our journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The sport rested, briefly, before the Giants held on in Cincinnati and Werth connected here.

The New York Times - Sports

The music only rested briefly in the calm eye of the storm before more gale – the Hoddinott Hall audience had a buffeting.

The Guardian - Music

The cabdriver, James Foster, 40, of the Bronx, was inching up a very congested Third Avenue and turning onto 125th Street at around 5 30 p.m. when his eyes rested briefly on an antiques store.

The New York Times

In those fleeting moments, Mr. Conway's eyes always rested briefly on a tall, burly man at the back: Steven Dunne, a drummer who, along with Mr. Conway, had been part of the Police Pipes and Drums of Bergen County nearly since its inception, 17 years ago.

The New York Times

Ray and three others went to a nearby village, where they rested briefly.

Los Angeles Times

At midnight the 187th took over the lead and the two glider infantry regiments rested briefly before tackling the main Japanese defensive lines.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Taylor knew he could rest briefly from his studies.

The New York Times - Sports

Generally, the hatchling rests briefly once out of the shell.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He returned to the house, intending to rest briefly, but fell into a deep sleep.

The New Yorker

The back of his head came to rest briefly on the ring apron.

The New York Times - Sports

On the back porch, the eye rests briefly on a sweet fairyland of ceramic animals and plastic owls.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rested briefly" to clearly indicate a short duration of rest, ensuring the context provides clarity on what was being rested (e.g., body, eyes, mind).

Common error

Avoid using "rested briefly" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "paused momentarily" or "took a short break" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rested briefly" functions as a verb phrase where the verb 'rested' (past tense) is modified by the adverb 'briefly'. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English to indicate a short duration of rest.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

21%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rested briefly" is grammatically correct and serves to indicate a short period of rest, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While the phrase is valid, be mindful of overusing it; consider using synonyms like "paused momentarily" to provide variety in your writing. Ludwig's examples highlight the diverse ways this phrase can be employed, from describing physical rest to a temporary pause in activity. Use this information to ensure accurate and engaging communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paused momentarily

Emphasizes the shortness of the pause.

took a short break

A more general term for a brief rest.

stopped for a moment

Focuses on the act of stopping, highlighting the interruption of an activity.

halted briefly

A more formal way to say stopped for a short time.

interrupted briefly

Suggests the rest was an intrusion to an ongoing activity.

ceased temporarily

Highlights the temporary nature of the cessation.

took a breather

Implies a rest to catch one's breath, usually after exertion.

reposed for a second

A more literary and less common way to express a brief rest.

eased off momentarily

Suggests a slight reduction in effort or activity.

relaxed for an instant

Highlights the relaxation aspect of the short break.

FAQs

How can I use "rested briefly" in a sentence?

You can use "rested briefly" to describe a short pause or break. For example, "After the intense workout, she "rested briefly" before continuing her training."

What are some alternatives to "rested briefly"?

Some alternatives include "paused momentarily", "took a short break", or "stopped for a moment". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "rested briefly"?

Yes, "rested briefly" is grammatically correct. "Rested" is the past tense of the verb "rest", and "briefly" is an adverb modifying the verb to indicate a short duration.

What is the difference between "rested briefly" and "rested for a while"?

"Rested briefly" indicates a very short period of rest, while "rested for a while" implies a longer, less defined duration. The former suggests a quick pause, while the latter suggests a more substantial break.