we took a break

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "we took a break" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when referring to any kind of break, be it for a vacation, a lunch, or a short pause from work. For example: "After hours of studying, we took a break to watch some TV before continuing on with our work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We took a break and reconvened.

The Guardian

We took a break for a cup of tea.

The Washington Post

We took a break for dinner in the pub.

The New York Times - Food

We took a break at a crumbling archery ground in the village of Lango.

Independent

To sidestep our indecisiveness, we took a break and became tourists.

The New York Times - Travel

After we did the windows and roof, we took a break.

The New York Times - Travel

We took a break and put the subject aside for later.

The New York Times - Magazine

It seemed as though we'd been out all day when we took a break -- two hours!

The New York Times

Afterward, we took a break and went to the kite festival that was being held along the river bank.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In 1986, we took a break from filming to watch takeoff, and we all saw the ship blow apart.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And I reformed the NRBQ that we had in '66--we took a break in '67--on the strength of that song.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we took a break" to indicate a pause in any activity, whether it's work, study, or travel. It's universally understood and suitable for most contexts.

Common error

While "we took a break" is perfectly acceptable in general writing, consider using more formal alternatives like "we paused briefly" or "we interrupted the process" in professional reports or academic papers to maintain a higher degree of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we took a break" functions as a statement indicating that a group of people interrupted their activity for a period of rest or another purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we took a break" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a group of people paused an activity temporarily. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous real-world examples. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to academia, and maintains a neutral register suitable for most situations. While widely accepted, more formal alternatives like "we paused briefly" or "we interrupted our activity" may be preferred in formal reports or academic papers. Remember to use "we took a break" to indicate a pause in activities whether it’s work, study, or travel.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we took time out

Emphasizes taking time away from a specific activity or situation.

we paused briefly

Emphasizes the short duration of the break.

we stopped for a while

Focuses on the temporary cessation of an activity for an unspecified duration.

we rested for a moment

Highlights resting as the primary purpose of the break.

we had an intermission

Implies a more structured or formal break, often in performances or meetings.

we broke off briefly

Indicates a sudden or abrupt stop in an activity.

we enjoyed a recess

Suggests a relaxing or recreational break, particularly from work or school.

we interrupted our activity

Highlights the act of stopping something that was ongoing.

we ceased temporarily

Formal way to say stopped doing something for a limited time

we suspended operations

Suggests a more significant or formal break, possibly in a business or organizational context.

FAQs

What does "we took a break" mean?

The phrase "we took a break" means that a group of people temporarily stopped an activity or task to rest, relax, or do something else before resuming it.

How can I use "we took a break" in a sentence?

You can use "we took a break" in a variety of contexts. For example, "After working for several hours, "we took a break" to get some coffee" or "We took a break from our road trip to visit a local attraction".

What can I say instead of "we took a break"?

You can use alternatives like "we paused briefly", "we had an intermission", or "we stopped for a while" depending on the context.

Is "we took a break" formal or informal?

"We took a break" is generally considered neutral and suitable for most situations. However, in more formal writing, you might consider using alternatives like "we paused briefly" or "we interrupted our activity".