slight pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight pause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a brief interruption or hesitation in speech or action. For example: "After finishing her speech, the speaker took a slight pause to collect her thoughts before answering questions from the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A slight pause.

The New York Times - Sports

There's a slight pause.

The Guardian

ANN: Oh. (Slight pause).

The New York Times

A slight pause for emphasis.

The Guardian - Film

"Er…" There's a slight pause.

The Guardian - Travel

"Yeah," says Ainslie, after a slight pause.

Independent

Then, with a slight pause, he used another word: "Fun".

The New York Times - Sports

A slight pause before saying yes renders it a no.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And, after a slight pause, she continued, "It will be on the floor".

The New York Times

(Taka's translator, after a slight pause, rendered this as "old stupids").

The New Yorker

He added the last word with a playful smile and a slight pause.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slight pause" to indicate a deliberate hesitation for emphasis or dramatic effect in your writing. It's particularly effective in dialogue to mimic natural speech patterns.

Common error

Avoid using "slight pause" excessively in narration, as it can disrupt the flow and make the writing feel choppy. Opt for more subtle methods of conveying hesitation or contemplation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight pause" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows many examples where it describes a momentary interruption in speech or action. It is frequently used to add nuance to descriptions of interactions and events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slight pause" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a brief interruption or hesitation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in news and media, science, and formal business contexts to add nuance to descriptions. When writing, consider using alternatives like "brief hesitation" or "short delay" for variety, but be mindful of overuse. Remember that, as suggested by the analysis, a "slight pause" can indicate thoughtfulness, uncertainty, or dramatic timing, making it a versatile tool in both speech and writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief hesitation

Emphasizes the hesitation aspect more directly, rather than the interruption of flow.

short delay

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the pause, highlighting the brief interruption in time.

momentary silence

Specifically refers to a pause in sound, suitable when describing conversations or performances.

fleeting interruption

Highlights the transient nature of the pause, suggesting it's very brief and doesn't significantly disrupt the flow.

quick break

Suggests a short respite or interval, often used in the context of activities or tasks.

small gap

Emphasizes the space or interval created by the pause, rather than the pause itself.

minor lull

Indicates a temporary period of inactivity or quiet, often used in the context of ongoing events.

passing pause

Highlights that the pause is temporary and quickly passes.

split-second pause

Focuses on the extremely short duration of the pause.

fractional delay

Emphasizes the extremely short duration of the delay, often used in technical contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "slight pause" to indicate a brief interruption or hesitation in speech or action. For example: "She took a "slight pause" before answering the question."

What are some alternatives to "slight pause"?

Alternatives include "brief hesitation", "short delay", or "momentary silence", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "slight pause" or "short pause"?

"Slight pause" and "short pause" are largely interchangeable, but "slight pause" may imply a more subtle and less noticeable interruption than "short pause".

What's the difference between a "slight pause" and a "long pause"?

A "slight pause" indicates a brief, almost imperceptible interruption, while a "long pause" signifies a more extended period of silence or inactivity, often used for dramatic effect or to indicate contemplation.