took a timeout

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took a timeout" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a break or pause taken to regroup or reflect, often in a stressful situation or during a game. Example: "After a heated discussion, she decided to took a timeout to gather her thoughts before continuing the conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Life took a timeout.

The New York Times - Sports

The Jaguars took a timeout.

The New York Times - Sports

With 17.4 seconds remaining Indiana took a timeout.

The New York Times - Sports

"I took a timeout and screamed a little bit," Woodson said.

The New York Times - Sports

The Sixers took a timeout after Wesley's shot to draw up the last play.

The New York Times - Sports

South took a timeout, eventually finding the winning bid: seven diamonds.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

San Antonio take a timeout.

The Guardian - Sport

" 'Let's take a timeout here.

The New York Times

The Bengals take a timeout.

The Guardian - Sport

And Spain takes a timeout.

The Guardian - Sport

The Heat take a timeout.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "took a timeout" in sports contexts, ensure it aligns with the rules of the specific sport. For example, some sports have limits on the number of timeouts allowed per game.

Common error

Avoid using "took a timeout" to describe actions that are not related to pausing or interrupting an activity. Instead, opt for more suitable phrases like "took a break", "paused briefly", or "stopped momentarily" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a timeout" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a deliberate pause or interruption in an activity. This phrase often describes a strategic break, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took a timeout" is a common and grammatically correct verbal phrase used to describe a pause or interruption in an activity, often for strategic reasons. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. Predominantly found in News & Media, it carries a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While simple breaks may be expressed by similar phrases like "paused briefly" or "took a break", the phrase "took a timeout" often implies a strategic or formal pause, as often seen in sports. Writers should be mindful of using it appropriately and avoid misapplication in non-pause related scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

called a timeout

Emphasizes the formal act of initiating the pause, often in a game or structured activity, instead of just experiencing it.

requested a timeout

Highlights the request or need for the pause, emphasizing the intention behind it.

paused briefly

Offers a simpler, more general term for a short break, removing the competitive connotation.

took a break

Substitutes "timeout" with a more common term for a pause, applicable in a broader range of contexts.

halted temporarily

Replaces the idiom with a more formal term suggesting a temporary cessation.

interrupted briefly

Highlights the interruption aspect of the pause, suggesting a disruption.

suspended play

Specific to games or performances, focusing on the cessation of activity.

ceased momentarily

A more formal and literary way to describe a brief stop, altering the register.

intermitted briefly

Another formal term, focusing on the intermittent nature of the pause.

broke for a moment

Similar to taking a break but with a slight emphasis on the brevity of the pause.

FAQs

What does "took a timeout" mean?

"Took a timeout" generally means to pause or interrupt an activity, often to regroup, strategize, or simply take a break. It is commonly used in sports but can also apply to other situations.

How to use "took a timeout" in a sentence?

You can use "took a timeout" in a sentence like this: "The coach "called a timeout" to discuss the next play."

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

You can use alternatives like "paused briefly", "took a break", or "interrupted briefly" depending on the context.

Is "took a timeout" formal or informal?

"Took a timeout" is generally considered to be neutral in formality. It is commonly used in news and media, as shown by Ludwig, suggesting it is appropriate for a wide range of contexts.