short break

USAGE SUMMARY

"short break" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a brief rest from some action or activity. For example, "Let's take a short break to grab something to eat and then continue studying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We'll take a short break.

The New York Times

"My short break home is stressful.

Princeton University

The inquiry takes a short break.

The Guardian

There will now be a short break.

The Guardian

* Music Weekly is taking short break.

The Guardian - Music

"It was just a short break".

The Guardian - Travel

After Hester, there was a short break.

The New Yorker

A short break, probably, but then?

The Guardian - Tech

I will probably take a short break.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

3.20pm: The inquiry has now taken a short break.

The Guardian

There is a short break in proceedings there.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "short break" to indicate a brief period of rest or interruption in any activity, whether it's work, study, or a formal proceeding. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid repetitive use of "short break" in formal documents. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "brief recess" or "brief hiatus" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "short break" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies a brief interval of rest or interruption. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "short break" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a brief pause or interruption. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its widespread use across various domains, including news, academia, and science. While appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, synonyms like "brief recess" or "brief hiatus" may be preferable in more formal settings. Remember to use it effectively to indicate a temporary cessation of activity for rest or refreshment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short recess

Similar to "short break", often used in formal settings like meetings or trials.

quick pause

Highlights the brevity of the interruption.

momentary pause

Emphasizes the very short duration of the break.

brief respite

Emphasizes the relief and rest provided during the break.

quick breather

Focuses on the opportunity to relax and catch one's breath.

brief hiatus

Suggests a temporary suspension, often used in more formal contexts.

small intermission

Implies a pause during a performance or event.

fleeting recess

Implies the break is short-lived and temporary.

brief interlude

Suggests a short period that contrasts with what precedes and follows it.

temporary lull

Indicates a temporary period of calm or inactivity.

FAQs

How can I use "short break" in a sentence?

You can use "short break" to describe a brief pause in any activity. For example, "Let's take a short break before we continue working on the project."

What are some alternatives to "short break"?

Alternatives include "brief respite", "quick pause", or "short recess", depending on the context.

Is "short break" formal or informal?

"Short break" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "brief hiatus".

What's the difference between "short break" and "short vacation"?

A "short break" is a brief pause in an activity, while a "short vacation" is a short trip or holiday taken for leisure.