took a recess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took a recess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a break or pause is taken during a meeting, session, or event, often in formal settings like court or legislative assemblies. Example: "After two hours of intense debate, the committee took a recess to allow members to gather their thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Hardin made his case to reporters when Ellison took 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

Afterwards, court took a recess for lunch.

Huffington Post

Our discourse took a recess before acrimony spoiled it but we will undoubtedly resume when he reads this blog.

Huffington Post

These nominations proved controversial because the program only lasted for a week in 2007 and had no second season, and both actors took a recess from work after it.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 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

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

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took a recess" when referring to a formal setting, such as court proceedings or legislative sessions, where a temporary pause is implemented.

Common error

Avoid using "took a recess" in casual conversation. Opt for phrases like "took a break" or "paused" in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

Took a recess functions as a verb phrase indicating a temporary pause or break in an activity, particularly in formal settings. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show its common application in court or legislative contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "took a recess" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote a temporary pause or break, primarily in formal environments such as court or legislative sessions. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. While its frequency is relatively rare, it's important to consider the context. Opt for alternatives like "had a break" in informal settings. Remember, "took a recess" carries a more formal tone. The phrase is mostly used in news and media and wiki contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recessed briefly

A more concise way of saying "took a recess".

had a break

Implies a general pause or rest from an activity.

stopped momentarily

Emphasizes the brief duration of the pause.

paused temporarily

Highlights the short-term nature of the interruption.

adjourned briefly

Implies a formal suspension to be resumed later.

interrupted briefly

Focuses on the temporary nature of the cessation.

broke for intermission

Suggests a planned pause, often in a performance or meeting.

suspended activity

Indicates a formal cessation of an action or process.

intermitted temporarily

A slightly more formal way of indicating a short break.

halted proceedings

Refers specifically to stopping a formal process or meeting.

FAQs

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

You can use "took a recess" to describe a temporary pause in a formal setting, such as, "The judge announced that the court "took a recess" for lunch".

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

You can use alternatives like "had a break", "paused temporarily", or "adjourned briefly" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "took a recess" in informal settings?

While grammatically correct, "took a recess" is more suitable for formal contexts. In informal settings, consider using phrases like "took a break" or "paused".

What is the difference between "took a recess" and "took a break"?

"Took a recess" generally implies a more structured or formal pause, often in official proceedings. "Took a break" is a more general term for a pause in any activity.