change of pace: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal, semi-formal
Quick answer
What does “change of pace” mean?
A variation in routine or activity, providing relief from monotony.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A variation in routine or activity, providing relief from monotony.
A significant or refreshing shift in speed, style, mood, or approach within any ongoing process or narrative.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant structural or usage differences. Both use the phrase identically.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “change of pace” in a Sentence
[verb] a change of pacebe a change of pace (from something)provide/offer a change of paceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “change of pace” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard as a verb)
American English
- (Not standard as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard as an adverb)
American English
- (Not standard as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard as an adjective)
American English
- (Not standard as an adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe strategic shifts, new market approaches, or alterations in work routine. 'The quarterly team-building event was a welcome change of pace from the usual meetings.'
Academic
Used in literary or film analysis to discuss shifts in narrative tempo or tone. 'The author introduces a comic subplot as a change of pace from the main tragic narrative.'
Everyday
Commonly used to describe breaks from daily routines, holidays, or trying new hobbies. 'Let's eat out for a change of pace tonight.'
Technical
In sports commentary, describes a player or team altering the speed or style of play. 'The substitute brought a change of pace to the midfield.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “change of pace”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “change of pace”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “change of pace”
- Using it as an uncountable noun (*I need change of pace). Correct: 'I need a change of pace.'
- Confusing with 'change of pace' in baseball (a specific slow pitch), though that is a technical sub-meaning.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Mostly, but it can be neutral. Context is key. 'The sudden change of pace in the company's strategy confused investors' shows it can be disruptive.
Yes, in semi-formal contexts like business reports or academic essays discussing narrative structure. For highly formal prose, 'variation', 'shift', or 'diversification' might be preferred.
'Change of pace' focuses on the rhythm, speed, or nature of an activity. 'Change of scenery' focuses on the physical environment or surroundings. A holiday can be both.
'Change of pace' is the fixed, idiomatic phrase. 'Change in pace' is grammatically possible but far less common and not idiomatic for the core meaning.
A variation in routine or activity, providing relief from monotony.
Change of pace: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃeɪndʒ əv ˈpeɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃeɪndʒ əv ˈpeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a change is as good as a rest”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a runner (PACE) changing direction (CHANGE) to run through a refreshing sprinkler instead of on a hot, monotonous track.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY / WORK IS A RACE. A 'change of pace' is altering the speed or route of that journey/race.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'change of pace' INCORRECTLY?