took recess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took recess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a break or pause in activities, typically in a school setting. Example: "After the first two hours of class, the students took recess to enjoy some fresh air and play outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Another truckload filled a sinkhole by the Dumpsters, where garbage trucks got stuck in mud, and a third went to craters where the children took recess.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

For instance, I think anyone in Congress should be allowed to take recess any time they like so long as they're willing to receive a punch in the face before leaving.

Huffington Post

Children were taking recess into their own hands to create a better environment for all.

American Journal of Community Psychology

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

Never tell yourself that your teacher hates you because you forgot that homework assignment and took away recess.

WikiHow

Those administrators and bureaucrats taking away recess should themselves be given a permanent recess.

Forbes

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing formal meetings or legal proceedings, consider using more formal alternatives like "adjourned" or "suspended" instead of "took recess".

Common error

Avoid using "took recess" in highly formal or professional settings where terms like "break", "pause", or "adjournment" are more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took recess" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of pausing or interrupting an activity, often within a structured environment such as school, court, or congress. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a common phrase for describing breaks.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

24%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took recess" is a commonly used verb phrase that denotes a temporary break or pause in an activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and readily understandable. While versatile, its appropriateness varies depending on the context: formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "adjourned" or "suspended". The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media, Wiki and Science and its versatility and wide range of alternative options make it a solid choice in several scenarios. Always consider the formality of your context when deciding to use the phrase "took recess".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had a break

Replaces "took" with "had", focusing on the act of having a pause.

took a break

Uses "break" instead of "recess", broadening the context beyond school or formal settings.

interrupted the session

Replaces the informal "recess" with a more formal "session" and uses "interrupted" to suggest a halt.

suspended activities

Employs a more formal and general term, applicable to various activities, not just those implying rest.

paused proceedings

A formal way to indicate a temporary halt, often used in official contexts.

called a halt

Implies a deliberate decision to stop, similar to initiating a recess.

adjourned temporarily

A formal term used primarily in legal or parliamentary contexts.

intermission began

Uses "intermission" instead of "recess", typically used in performances and events.

ceased temporarily

Highlights the temporary cessation of an activity, suitable in a variety of formal settings.

broke for a while

Informal substitute focusing on the action of breaking the activities

FAQs

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

You can use "took recess" to describe a short break or pause during an activity, especially in school settings. For example, "After the long exam, the students "took a recess" to relax and play".

What can I say instead of "took recess"?

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

Which is correct, "took recess" or "took a recess"?

"Took a recess" is generally more common and grammatically standard. While "took recess" is understandable, including the article "a" provides better clarity. You can also consider alternatives such as "had a break".

Is "took recess" appropriate for formal writing?

While "took recess" is grammatically correct, it's more appropriate for informal or educational contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "adjourned temporarily" or "suspended activities".