Time stood still for a moment.

Meaning: This sentence describes a moment when time seemed to stop or slow down.

Choice of Words: Time refers to the continuous progression of existence. Stood still is a metaphorical expression meaning that time seemed to stop or pause. For a moment indicates a brief period of time. Time stood still for a moment together suggests that there was a temporary pause in the flow of time.

Alternative Expressions

Time froze for a second.

Meaning: This means that time stopped moving for a very short period of time, like when you are so surprised that you can't move or think.

Choice of Words: Froze is a verb that means to become solid or unable to move. Second is a unit of time that is equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of a minute. When you put them together, "Time froze for a second" means that time stopped moving for a very short period of time.

Time paused for a brief moment.

Meaning: This means that time stopped moving for a very short period of time, like when you are so surprised that you can't move or think.

Choice of Words: Paused is a verb that means to stop or interrupt something for a short period of time. Brief is an adjective that means short or lasting for a short period of time. Moment is a noun that means a very short period of time. When you put them together, "Time paused for a brief moment" means that time stopped moving for a very short period of time.

Time stood still for a while.

Meaning: This means that time stopped moving for a period of time, like when you are so surprised that you can't move or think.

Choice of Words: Stood is a verb that means to be in an upright position or to remain in one place. Still is an adjective that means not moving or changing. While is a noun that means a period of time. When you put them together, "Time stood still for a while" means that time stopped moving for a period of time.

Related Expressions