take pause

USAGE SUMMARY

"take pause" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to taking a break or to suggest that the reader take a pause to think about something before continuing. For example: "Take pause and reflect on all that you've learned today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If we had more time, perhaps, we could take pause.

The New York Times

Only then, it seemed, did Mr. Spitzer take pause.

The New York Times

In short, there's good reason to take pause.

The New Yorker

They should take pause before they think about engaging in such conduct...

The New York Times

Anyone with a baseball signed by Ted Williams should take pause.

The New York Times

Back on rounds, we watch residents stumbling from sleep deprivation and take pause.

The New York Times - Arts

My children take pause and wonder how the people on the stoop will fit.

The New York Times

In an age where increasing specialization is normal and growing fragmentation is commonplace, designers must take pause to assess trajectories, decisions and implications.

Journal of Transport & Health

I absolutely support the rationale for striking, but including emergency services in the strike caused me to really take pause.

The Guardian

Every individual who works there should take pause and consider whether the reputation of that institution is elevated or diminished by this move.

The Economist

Since then in my job, I've had to learn to look at death, in all its horrible manifestations, and not take pause.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take pause" when you want to encourage thoughtful consideration or a brief break in a process.

Common error

While "take pause" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in contexts that demand rapid decision-making or a sense of urgency, as it may imply unnecessary delay or hesitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take pause" functions as a directive verb phrase, urging the listener or reader to momentarily halt and consider something carefully. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take pause" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that encourages thoughtful consideration or a brief break. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its versatile nature makes it suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral, be mindful of the need for more formal alternatives in academic or scientific writing. When using "take pause", remember that it implies slowing down to think, rather than simply stopping. Therefore, ensure the context aligns with the intention of promoting careful reflection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pause for thought

Emphasizes the mental aspect of pausing to consider something carefully.

stop and reflect

Highlights both the physical action of stopping and the mental activity of reflecting.

moment of reflection

Focuses on the duration and nature of the pause as being reflective.

hold back

Implies restraining oneself to allow for consideration.

think twice

Highlights the need for careful consideration before acting.

reconsider

Suggests going back over a previous decision or thought.

delay action

Focuses on postponing action to allow time for thought.

take a breather

Suggests a short break for rest and recovery, which can include reflection.

hold off

Indicates a temporary suspension of action.

wait a moment

Implies a brief interruption to consider something.

FAQs

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

You can use "take pause" to suggest a moment of reflection before acting, such as, "We should "take pause" and consider the potential consequences before proceeding with this plan".

What are some alternatives to "take pause"?

Alternatives to "take pause" include "stop and reflect", "pause for thought", or "reconsider", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "take pause"?

While generally correct, using "take pause" might be less appropriate in situations where immediate action is required, as it implies a deliberate slowing down for consideration. In such cases, phrases like "act immediately" or "proceed without delay" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "take pause" and "take a break"?

"Take pause" typically implies a brief stop for mental consideration, while "take a break" suggests a more general pause for rest or relaxation. The former is about thinking; the latter is about resting.