tentative break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tentative break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temporary or uncertain pause or interruption in a process or activity. Example: "After a tentative break in negotiations, both parties agreed to reconvene next week to discuss the terms further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In a further, more tentative break with precedent, Mr. Draghi said that monetary policy would be guided by changes in the rate of inflation, the state of the euro zone economy and indicators of the money supply.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Do they die at the end?' So I had to say," Walsh puts on a tentative, break-it-gently grownup voice, "'Well yes, they do, darling, I suppose, yeah, you could say they do die at the end.' And she said …" Walsh pauses, taking a deep breath in order to convey the full force of her reaction: "'GOOD!'" Childhood, as Roald Dahl knew, is a complicated, unsentimental affair.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But so strong is the impression of someone still anxiously self-censoring that I'd say her criticisms should not be mistaken for a tentative first break away from the discipline of party politics.

The Guardian

As he spoke, another, more tentative chant broke out in the crowd: "The people must continue defeating the regime".

The New York Times

As their wide-ranging dialogue proceeds, he grows mysterious, strangely tentative, before breaking out with wild horror at the evils he has seen abroad.

The New York Times - Arts

Recently, though, I decided to make tentative steps to break my vegetarian-ness and have been branching out into seafood.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At the same time, it gives us a sense of the movement's evolution, from the early tentative efforts to break with European traditions in the 1940s to the bold self-confidence of the 1960s.

The New York Times

The suicide bombings and the Israeli retaliation followed 45 days without attacks inside Israel, during which both Israelis and Palestinians had taken some tentative steps to break the cycle of violence.

The New York Times

The logjam blocking an important step forward in the government's criminal investigation into the collapse of Enron showed tentative signs of breaking on Thursday.

The New York Times

The translation: "How old are you?" "Tá mé ocht bliana d'aois," the 8-year-old Brianna said in a tentative whisper before breaking into a wide grin as her teacher smiled and nodded in approval.

The New York Times

A5 Macedonia Strikes at Rebels Government forces began a heavy offensive against ethnic-Albanian rebel positions north of the capital, breaking the tentative cease-fire and leaving diplomatic efforts for a peace agreement in tatters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tentative break", ensure the context clearly indicates the uncertainty or temporary nature of the pause. This phrase is effective in describing situations where a more permanent or definitive break is not yet established.

Common error

Avoid using "tentative break" when describing a permanent or definite end. If the break is final, opt for phrases like "complete separation" or "permanent cessation" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tentative break" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "tentative" modifies the noun "break". This combination describes a pause or interruption that is uncertain or hesitant. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tentative break" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe an uncertain or temporary pause. As Ludwig AI noted, the phrase is usable in written English. Analysis of its usage indicates that it commonly appears in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, ensure the phrase accurately reflects the uncertainty of the break to avoid misinterpretation. Consider alternatives such as "hesitant pause" or "uncertain interruption" to fine-tune the intended meaning. Avoid using this phrase for permanent or definite endings, since this will be a mismatch.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hesitant pause

Replaces 'tentative' with 'hesitant', emphasizing the uncertainty of the interruption.

uncertain interruption

Substitutes 'tentative' with 'uncertain', highlighting the lack of clarity about the break.

provisional pause

Uses 'provisional' instead of 'tentative', indicating a temporary and conditional nature.

experimental cessation

Replaces 'tentative' with 'experimental' and 'break' with 'cessation', implying a trial period of stopping.

initial suspension

Uses 'initial' and 'suspension' to convey a beginning stage of stopping something.

guarded halt

Emphasizes caution with 'guarded', replacing 'tentative', and 'halt' for 'break'.

hesitating cessation

Combines 'hesitating' to replace 'tentative' with 'cessation', suggesting doubt.

unconfirmed intermission

Suggests the break is not yet official or final with "unconfirmed intermission".

timid suspension

Uses 'timid' to emphasize the hesitant nature of the pause, paired with 'suspension'.

faltering discontinuation

Highlights instability with 'faltering', paired with 'discontinuation' for a less direct stopping.

FAQs

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

You can use "tentative break" to describe a pause or interruption that is not yet certain or permanent. For example: "After a "tentative break" in negotiations, both parties agreed to reconvene."

What are some alternatives to "tentative break"?

Alternatives to "tentative break" include "hesitant pause", "uncertain interruption", or "provisional pause". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "tentative break" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "tentative break" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing uncertain or temporary interruptions in professional or academic contexts. However, consider using more formal synonyms like "provisional pause" in highly formal settings.

What's the difference between "tentative break" and "temporary pause"?

"Tentative break" emphasizes the uncertainty or hesitation associated with the pause, while "temporary pause" simply indicates that the interruption is not permanent. "Tentative break" suggests the possibility of the break not being sustained.