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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Take a pause
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
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
Her advice: "Take a pause, wait a few weeks and see what happens.
News & Media
Sometimes it is good to be forced to take a pause on the ladder to success.
News & Media
On Friday, QVC, the home-shopping network, said it had "decided to take a pause".
News & Media
"In this campaign, every time he has surged ahead, voters take a pause.
News & Media
The faster life gets, the more important it is to take a pause.
News & Media
As you round each level, the rhythm is continually interrupted, encouraging you to take a pause.
News & Media
The television shopping outlet QVC said it would "take a pause" in its dealings with Ms. Deen.
News & Media
Take a pause, a beat, before you say what you think you want to say to someone who's sick.
News & Media
Mr. Saralegui said the delay allowed the filmmakers to take a pause before concerning themselves with selling the picture.
News & Media
"We should take a pause, cool the passions and work deliberately through a number of these issues".
News & Media
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.
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.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
take a break
Suggests a typically shorter and more informal cessation of activity.
pause for a moment
Reorders the phrase slightly but retains the core meaning.
take a rest
Implies stopping to recover from exertion or fatigue.
take a breather
Suggests a short break to relax or calm down.
take a moment
Emphasizes a brief interruption for a specific purpose.
hold on a second
Suggests a very short pause, often in conversation.
More alternative expressions(6)
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested