took a time out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took a time out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a break or pause taken for reflection, relaxation, or to regain composure, often in a stressful situation. Example: "After the heated discussion, she decided to take a time out to gather her thoughts before continuing the conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Huffington Post

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

For a brief moment this week, Herman Cain's supporters took a time out from blaming a "racist," "liberal" conspiracy for the tumult over recently reported sexual harassment allegations.

The New York Times

I took a time out, even though I had to do work, and function normally.

Huffington Post

When Trinity took a time out, Nestor reminded his players that the Bantams had trailed SUNY-Cortland 3-0 in the semifinals, coming back to win 8-6.

Los Angeles Times

So I took a time out.

Huffington Post

And after the Spurs took a time out to stop the bleeding, Julius Randle attacked the basket, going right at former Laker Pau Gasol, who fouled him.

Los Angeles Times

So when the Republican far right "pro-life" and pro-insurance industry lobbyists took a time out to be led by some of the nation's biggest religious flakes, paranoids and hysterics in "prayer" to delay and defeat health care reform they were playing with eternal damnation (if their theology is correct).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Most obvious being that climate change doesn't take a time out for an economic crisis.

The Guardian

If you're heading north, it's a great place to take a time out before moving on.

The Guardian - Travel

"It's prudent to take a time out right now and reassess how expert networks are used," said an employee at another large money manager.

The New York Times

"To take a quick decision under such pressure is very dangerous for the authorities, so they've taken a time out," he told the Guardian.

The Guardian - Music

If one needs to take a time out, travel, etc.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took a time out" to indicate a deliberate pause for reflection or to de-escalate a situation, especially when emotions are running high. For example, "After the argument, they both took a time out to cool down before continuing the discussion."

Common error

Avoid using "took a time out" to describe planned breaks or recesses. This phrase implies a need to pause due to stress or unexpected circumstances, not for routine intervals. For scheduled breaks, use "took a break" or "intermission" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a time out" functions as an idiomatic expression, acting as a verb phrase that signifies a deliberate pause or interruption in an activity. It is often used to describe taking a break to reflect, cool down, or regain composure, as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Huffington Post

20%

Los Angeles Times

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "took a time out" is an idiomatic phrase that signifies a deliberate pause in an activity, often used to cool down or reflect. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples of its usage in contexts such as news media and personal blogs. While generally informal, the phrase is widely understood and can effectively communicate the need for a temporary break. Though less frequent than alternatives like "took a break", it accurately describes a purposeful interruption for emotional or mental recovery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took a break

Indicates a temporary cessation of activity, similar to "took a time out".

paused briefly

Implies a short halt in an action or activity, mirroring the idea of a brief time out.

interrupted briefly

Highlights a short disruption or break in an ongoing process.

took a breather

Suggests pausing to rest or recover, akin to taking a time out for rejuvenation.

stopped temporarily

Indicates a halt that is not permanent, similar to the temporary nature of a time out.

recessed briefly

Formal term for a short break, equivalent to a time out in a structured setting.

took a sabbatical

Implies a longer and more structured break than a simple time out.

took a recess

Similar to "took a break", but often used in more formal contexts.

halted momentarily

Emphasizes the brief duration of the pause, comparable to a quick time out.

suspended activity

Suggests a deliberate cessation of action, more formal than a casual time out.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "took a time out"?

Saying someone "took a time out" means they paused or interrupted an activity, often due to stress, emotional intensity, or the need for reflection. It implies a temporary cessation to regain composure or clarity.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "took a time out"?

It's appropriate to use "took a time out" when describing a deliberate pause from a stressful situation, an argument, or any activity where a break is needed to collect one's thoughts or calm down. It is not appropriate for pre-planned breaks.

What can I say instead of "took a time out"?

You can use alternatives like "took a break", "paused briefly", or "stopped temporarily" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "took a time out" formal or informal?

"Took a time out" is generally considered an informal phrase. In more formal contexts, consider using "suspended activity" or "recessed briefly" for a similar meaning.