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Grammar fix

short break

brief rest

A short period of time when you stop what you are doing to relax or recover before continuing.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Let’s take a short break before we start the next meeting.daily life
  • In my opinion, taking a short break during work helps me stay productive and reduces stress.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: take/have a short break

WrongLet's have a short break for relax.

RightLet's have a short break to relax.

'To relax' (purpose), not 'for relax'.

Patterntake/have a short break

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I shall take a brief interval of respite.

Natural I'll just take a short break.

Natural; 'a brief interval of respite' is overwrought.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • a short break
    takehavequickshort break from

Don't confuse it

A 'short break' is usually a few minutes, while a 'holiday' or 'vacation' is much longer.

Try it in Daily Speak →