she paused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she paused" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a moment when someone stops speaking or takes a brief break in their actions. Example: "As she reached the end of her speech, she paused for a moment to take a sip of water before continuing on with her point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She paused.

The New York Times

She paused her game.

The New Yorker

"This one?" She paused.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Get out!" She paused.

The New York Times

She paused briefly.

The New York Times

Then she paused.

The New York Times - Sports

She paused for a….

The New Yorker

"You think?" She paused.

The New Yorker

She paused for breath.

The New Yorker

She paused dramatically.

The New Yorker

She paused to ponder.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she paused" to create dramatic effect or suspense in writing. This simple phrase can signal a character's internal conflict, a shift in the conversation, or an impending revelation.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "she paused" to convey a character's emotional state. Instead, combine it with descriptive details about her facial expression, body language, or internal thoughts to provide a richer and more nuanced portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she paused" functions as a simple declarative statement indicating a momentary interruption in a female subject's action, typically speech or movement. As Ludwig AI illustrates, it's grammatically sound and widely used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she paused" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to indicate a brief interruption, mainly in speech or action, by a female subject. As verified by Ludwig AI, it serves various narrative purposes, such as creating suspense, reflecting internal conflict, or signaling a change in direction. Predominantly found in news and media sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles. While effective, it's advisable to supplement the phrase with descriptive details to enhance the portrayal of the character's state of mind, preventing overuse and enriching the narrative impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she hesitated

Highlights the uncertainty or reluctance behind the pause, rather than just the interruption itself.

she stopped momentarily

Highlights the temporary nature of the stop, similar to a pause.

she stopped talking

Focuses specifically on the cessation of speech, lacking the nuance of a brief hesitation.

she suspended her speech

More formal and specific to speaking, indicating a temporary halt.

she broke off

Suggests an abrupt end to speech, possibly due to emotion or interruption.

she took a moment

Focuses on the duration of the pause, implying a deliberate act.

she halted briefly

Emphasizes a physical stop rather than a pause in speech or thought.

she fell silent

Indicates a complete cessation of speaking, which might be longer than a simple pause.

she became quiet

Similar to 'fell silent', but can also describe someone who was never speaking to begin with.

she took a break

Implies a longer, more intentional interruption, rather than a brief pause for thought.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "she paused" in my writing?

Use "she paused" to create anticipation, show hesitation, or reflect a character's internal state. Combine it with other descriptive details to enhance the impact.

What are some alternatives to "she paused" that I can use?

Consider alternatives like "she hesitated", "she stopped talking", or "she fell silent" depending on the specific context.

Is "she paused" considered formal or informal language?

"She paused" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal writing. The surrounding context will dictate the overall tone.

What does "she paused" typically imply about a character's state of mind?

The phrase can suggest contemplation, uncertainty, emotional turmoil, or a deliberate attempt to create suspense before continuing.