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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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Take a pause

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a pause" is correct and usable in written English
You can use this phrase when you want to encourage someone to take a break from an activity or to take a moment to think about a situation. For example, you could write, "Let's take a pause and think about the best way to solve this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The care of children can't take a pause for bureaucracy," he added.

News & Media

The New York Times

Her advice: "Take a pause, wait a few weeks and see what happens.

News & Media

The New York Times

Sometimes it is good to be forced to take a pause on the ladder to success.

News & Media

Independent

On Friday, QVC, the home-shopping network, said it had "decided to take a pause".

News & Media

The New Yorker

"In this campaign, every time he has surged ahead, voters take a pause.

News & Media

The New York Times

The faster life gets, the more important it is to take a pause.

As you round each level, the rhythm is continually interrupted, encouraging you to take a pause.

The television shopping outlet QVC said it would "take a pause" in its dealings with Ms. Deen.

Take a pause, a beat, before you say what you think you want to say to someone who's sick.

News & Media

The New York Times

Mr. Saralegui said the delay allowed the filmmakers to take a pause before concerning themselves with selling the picture.

"We should take a pause, cool the passions and work deliberately through a number of these issues".

News & Media

The New York Times
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Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "take a pause" to suggest a temporary halt for reflection or reassessment, particularly when facing complex or overwhelming situations.

⚠ Common error

While "take a pause" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in very casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "wait a second" or "hold on" might sound more natural.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a pause" functions as an imperative, often used to advise or suggest a temporary cessation of activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. It prompts reflection, reassessment, or simply a moment of rest. Examples show it used in diverse scenarios, from business decisions to personal well-being.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

⚠ Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a pause" is a versatile phrase that encourages temporary cessation for reflection, reassessment, or rest. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for numerous contexts, mainly in News & Media. While versatile, remember its nuances; simpler alternatives might be more fitting in informal settings. Its communicative power lies in promoting mindfulness and preventing hasty decisions. Consider this phrase a valuable tool in your communication toolkit, suitable when a moment of reflection is needed.

FAQs

How can I use "take a pause" in a sentence?

"Take a pause" can be used to suggest a temporary stop for reflection, like in the sentence: "We should "take a pause" and consider our options carefully."

What is a more formal alternative to "take a pause"?

In more formal settings, consider using phrases such as "suspend activity" or "cease temporarily" to convey a similar meaning with increased formality.

When is it appropriate to use "take a pause"?

It's suitable when you want to suggest a brief interruption for thinking or reassessment. For example, "Let's "take a pause" to ensure we're on the right track."

What can I say instead of "take a pause" in casual conversation?

In informal settings, you can use phrases like "take a break" or "hold on a second" for a more relaxed tone.

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: