taking a recess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking a recess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as meetings, classes, or legislative sessions when a break is needed. Example: "The committee decided that after two hours of discussion, it was time for taking a recess to allow members to gather their thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Manhattan, the world's playground, is not used to taking a recess, and so a full-blown recession strikes at the very core of not only this island's prosperity, but also its pride and its purpose.

Huffington Post

The delegates cast eighteen ballots before taking a recess for dinner.

Wikipedia

"What is he doing on the phone?" The judge didn't issue a final ruling on S&P's request before taking a recess.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Hardin made his case to reporters when Ellison took a recess.

The New York Times

This time, it was John White who broke down, and the court had to take a recess.

The New Yorker

Karen Patton Seymour, sitting at the prosecutors table, urged her colleague, Michael Schachter, who had been questioning Ms. Armstrong, to take a recess.

The New York Times

He read Ms. Olson the statute under which she had been accused, and she then took a recess to discuss it with her lawyers.

The New York Times

"The court could simply take a recess, close the courtroom for solely the officer's testimony, and then excuse the jury prior to reopening the courtroom," they wrote.

The New York Times

"The only advice I gave her," said Justice Karen B. Rothenberg, "was, 'If you have any trouble with anything whatsoever, it's a good time to take a recess.' " Not all of Justice Pfau's lessons can easily be reduced to rules.

The New York Times

In this class of motions are the motions to fix the time at which to adjourn, to adjourn, to take a recess, and to raise questions of privilege, all of which are undebatable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite the partisan fight, the legislation still appeared to be headed for a vote on the House floor next week, just before lawmakers take a recess for the Fourth of July.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "taking a break" or "taking a pause" in less formal contexts to avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "taking a recess" to describe casual breaks or personal moments of rest. It's more appropriate for structured environments. Instead, opt for terms like "taking a break" or "taking a pause" for informal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking a recess" functions as a verbal phrase, often acting as a gerund or participle within a sentence. Based on the Ludwig examples, it commonly indicates a temporary suspension of proceedings or activities. Ludwig AI suggests the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "taking a recess" is grammatically sound and commonly used to denote a temporary break, especially in formal or structured settings such as legal proceedings or legislative sessions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While synonyms like "taking a break" are available, "taking a recess" carries a more formal tone. It's crucial to consider the context to select the most appropriate term. This phrase appears frequently in news media and encyclopedias, highlighting its relevance in reporting and documenting formal events. When writing, ensure that "taking a recess" aligns with the level of formality required by the context, opting for less formal alternatives when discussing more casual situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking a break

More general term for a pause; can apply to any activity.

taking a pause

Implies a brief cessation of activity.

taking time out

General term for setting aside time.

taking a breather

Suggests a short break to rest and recover.

taking a timeout

Often used in sports or disciplinary contexts.

adjourning briefly

Specifically refers to a short postponement, often in formal meetings.

taking a hiatus

Implies a longer, more formal break.

interrupting the activity

Focuses on the cessation of the activity itself.

taking a sabbatical

A longer break, often for academic or professional development.

suspending operations

More formal, often used in business contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "taking a recess" in a sentence?

You can use "taking a recess" to describe a temporary break in a formal setting. For example, "The judge announced they would be "taking a recess" for lunch".

What's the difference between "taking a recess" and "taking a break"?

"Taking a recess" implies a more structured and formal break, often in official settings like courts or meetings. "Taking a break", by contrast, is a more general term for any kind of pause or rest.

What can I say instead of "taking a recess"?

Depending on the context, you could use "taking a break", "taking a pause", or "interrupting the activity".

Is it correct to say "take a recess" instead of "taking a recess"?

Yes, both phrases are grammatically correct. "Take a recess" is often used as an imperative or suggestion, while "taking a recess" is used in continuous tenses or as a gerund.