takes a break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "takes a break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of pausing or resting from an activity or task. Example: "After working for several hours straight, she decided it was time to take a break and recharge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fernando Verdasco takes a break.

The Guardian - Sport

Every hour he takes a break.

The Guardian

One Guardian writer takes a break from buying books.

The New Yorker

Madison takes a break after work with friends.

The New York Times - Style

Philippe Poncet takes a break before his next race.

The New York Times

Shockley takes a break during a physical rehabilitation session.

The Washington Post

"When Jesse takes a break," Owens says, "he writes.

The Guardian - Music

Since English ivy is evergreen, it never takes a break.

The New York Times

He takes a break from cannabis long enough to graduate and become a schoolteacher.

The New York Times

Ambreen Sadiq, 20, takes a break from coaching the girls to talk to me.

Independent

She takes a break from cleaning out her dead daughter's room to sit with Jilly's mother.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scheduled or regular pause, consider specifying the frequency or duration (e.g., "takes a 15-minute break every two hours").

Common error

Avoid using "takes a break" without providing sufficient context. Explain the reason for the break or what activity is being paused to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes a break" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action of pausing or resting. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where subjects are shown interrupting an activity for a short period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

14%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "takes a break" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase indicating a temporary pause or rest from an activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While alternatives like "pauses for a moment" or "rests briefly" exist, "takes a break" remains a clear and understandable choice. Avoid overusing it without context, and ensure clarity by explaining the reason for the pause. Whether it's a student pausing from studying or a worker relaxing for a while, "takes a break" succinctly conveys the action of temporarily ceasing an activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

takes a breather

Idiomatic expression suggesting a short pause to recover or relax.

pauses for a moment

Emphasizes a short, temporary halt, often without specifying the reason.

stops to rest

Highlights the intention to stop for the purpose of resting.

rests briefly

Highlights the act of resting for a short duration.

takes time out

Implies setting aside specific time for a break.

halts temporarily

Focuses on the temporary cessation of an activity or process.

ceases activity

Emphasizes complete stopping of activity.

interrupts the work

Specifies that the break involves stopping work.

suspends activity

Highlights a formal or deliberate pause in an activity.

relaxes for a while

Emphasizes the relaxation aspect of the break.

FAQs

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

You can use "takes a break" to describe someone pausing from an activity, for example, "She "takes a break" from studying to grab a coffee".

What are some alternatives to "takes a break"?

Alternatives include "pauses for a moment", "rests briefly", or "takes a breather", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "take a break" or "takes a break"?

"Take a break" is used with plural subjects (e.g., "They take a break"), while "takes a break" is used with singular third-person subjects (e.g., "He takes a break").

What's the difference between "takes a break" and "takes a vacation"?

"Takes a break" refers to a short pause from an activity, whereas "takes a vacation" implies a longer period away from work or routine.