stopping for a while

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stopping for a while" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a temporary pause or break in an activity or situation. Example: "After a long day of hiking, we decided to take a break, stopping for a while to enjoy the view."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"This one isn't stopping for a while".

The New York Times

Stopping for a while made the night more passionate.' It may even have provided the X-factor responsible for their honeymoon baby, due on 16 December.

The Guardian

Back on the main stage, the soaking Friendly Fires' Hawaiian shirts seem like a bad joke but their set coincides with the rain stopping for a while, which is celebrated around the site like the Second Coming.

The Guardian - Music

Travelling at up to 40 miles a day, and stopping for a while, it's now thought, in Mauritania, they eventually hit the waters of the Irish Sea, where one particularly positive development seems to be attracting the leatherback.

The Guardian

He said he used to play, then after stopping for a while, he tried to pick it up again, but he found the online version "just kind of hard to use for a number of reasons".

TechCrunch

True success is when we are investing in our minds, our bodies and our souls; when we recognize that the biggest and brightest opportunities lie on the other side of stopping for a while, taking a big deep breath -- and resting.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Then we stopped for a while.

The New Yorker

She stops for a while, reconsiders.

The Guardian - Music

And it did stop for a while.

The New York Times

"I WOULD encourage Congress to stop for a while.

The Economist

Pregnancy got her to stop for a while.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stopping for a while" to indicate a deliberate pause, especially when transitioning between activities. This clarifies intent and provides context for the interruption.

Common error

Don't use "stopping for a while" when a permanent cessation is intended. Choose stronger verbs like "ending" or "terminating" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stopping for a while" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun within a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that is acceptable in written english. It describes the action of pausing temporarily.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stopping for a while" is a grammatically correct and acceptable way to express a temporary pause or break. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not extremely common, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies the temporary nature of the pause to avoid ambiguity. Consider related phrases like "pausing momentarily" or "taking a breather" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pausing momentarily

Focuses on a very brief interruption.

taking a breather

Implies a need for rest or relaxation during the stop.

breaking briefly

Highlights the interruption of an activity for a short time.

halting temporarily

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the cessation.

suspending activity

Suggests a more formal or deliberate pause.

interrupting briefly

Similar to 'breaking briefly', but can apply to actions or speech.

taking a short recess

Often used in formal contexts, such as meetings or legal proceedings.

laying off temporarily

Typically used in the context of work or effort.

ceasing momentarily

Formal and emphasizes the brief nature of the stop.

desisting for a moment

A formal way to describe a brief pause in an action or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "stopping for a while" in a sentence?

"Stopping for a while" indicates a temporary pause. For example: "After hiking for hours, we considered "stopping for a break" to enjoy the view."

What are some alternatives to "stopping for a while"?

You could use phrases such as "pausing momentarily", "taking a breather", or "halting temporarily" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "stopping for a while" and "stopping for a moment"?

"Stopping for a while" suggests a slightly longer duration than "stopping for a moment". The best choice depends on the context and the intended length of the pause.

When should I avoid using "stopping for a while"?

Avoid using "stopping for a while" if the intention is to convey a permanent end to something. Use alternatives like "ceasing permanently" or "ending completely" in such cases.