that gives me pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that gives me pause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing hesitation or a moment of reflection about a particular thought or situation. Example: "The unexpected results of the experiment are concerning and that gives me pause about our next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

That doesn't mean it's wrong.There is one other related thought that gives me pause.

The Economist

If I see a lead paragraph that would sound ridiculous in Walter Cronkite's voice, that gives me pause.

The Washington Post

"Whatever we are legally obligated to do, we will do," USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said this week.It's this "trigger a chain reaction" bit that gives me pause.

The Economist

Leaving theology aside for a moment (cracked that one, lads), it's the religious co-opting of the capitalist work ethic that gives me pause.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's the ten thousand dollar price tag that gives me pause.

TechCrunch

Thing that gives me pause, for so many people habitual behavior is that grocery store is not as good, but pretty good.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

I admit there were moments that gave me pause.

Princeton University

Next came the part that gave me pause.

The New York Times

Then Mr. Vermilya added a thought that gave me pause.

The New York Times - Arts

And yet, I must confess, there were moments that gave me pause.

The New York Times

"But it was the last question in the letter that gave me pause," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that gives me pause" when you want to express a thoughtful hesitation or reservation about something. It's suitable when you need to convey that you're not entirely comfortable with a situation or idea and require further consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "that gives me pause" in very casual or informal settings where a more straightforward expression of doubt or concern would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your speech sound overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that gives me pause" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate hesitation, doubt, or concern regarding a particular matter. It serves to signal a need for further consideration or reflection. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that gives me pause" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey a sense of hesitation, doubt, or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. While not extremely common, it is a useful idiom for signaling the need for further consideration or reflection. Remember to use it judiciously in informal settings, opting for simpler expressions when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that makes me hesitate

Emphasizes the action of pausing or hesitating due to something.

that causes me to reflect

Highlights the reflective aspect, implying deeper thought.

that makes me wonder

Focuses on the feeling of questioning or uncertainty.

that raises concerns for me

Directly expresses worry or apprehension.

that gives me reason to doubt

Indicates a questioning of validity or truth.

that makes me think twice

Suggests a need for reconsideration or careful thought.

that's a cause for concern

Highlights the worrisome nature of the situation.

that is something to consider

Emphasizes the need for careful evaluation.

that is a red flag

Implies a warning sign or potential problem.

that warrants further investigation

Suggests the need for more detailed examination.

FAQs

How can I use "that gives me pause" in a sentence?

You can use "that gives me pause" to express hesitation or concern about a particular aspect. For example, "The lack of transparency in their proposal is something "that gives me pause"".

What does "that gives me pause" mean?

"That gives me pause" means that something causes you to hesitate, reconsider, or feel uncertain about a situation or decision. It suggests a need for careful thought or further investigation.

What are some alternatives to "that gives me pause"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that makes me hesitate", "that makes me wonder", or "that raises concerns for me", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "that gives me pause" formal or informal?

"That gives me pause" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression. While appropriate in many contexts, it might sound somewhat stilted in very casual conversations. Consider using alternatives in informal settings.