A 15 minute break vs A 15 minutes break

The correct phrase is 'a 15-minute break.' In English, when describing a noun with a number and a unit of time, the unit of time is typically singular and hyphenated.

Last updated: April 07, 2024 • 924 views

This phrase is incorrect. The unit of time should be singular and hyphenated when describing a noun with a number.

"A 15 minute break"

The correct phrase is 'a 15-minute break.' Use this format when describing a noun with a number and a unit of time.

Show examples from the web [+]

Talks+Q&A should be 45 minutes long, with a 15 minute break between events.
DebConf talks will be broadcast live on the Internet where possible, and videos of the talks will be published on the web along with the presentation slides and papers. Talks+Q&A should be 45 minutes long, with a 15 minute break between events.
Evening classes are typically from 4.15pm to 8.30pm, with a 15 minute break in between.
Regular sessions will be 45 minutes long, including time for questions, with a 15 minute break between events.
Want to take a 15 minute break with me?
For five minutes, and from here on in you can take a 15-minute break every hour.
This block of lessons is divided into two 90-minute sessions, with a 15-minute break inbetween.
The final round... will restart after a 15 minutes break.
Gentlemen, let's take a 15-minute break while we clear up the table.
Let's take a 15-minute break, everyone.
Morning session is for three hours with a 15 minutes break.
Add in the pillow, and a 15-minute break from yard work will turn into an afternoon siesta.
A 15-minute break is good for concentration, and I would ask the Bureau to make provision for one in future.
Each driver completed three night drives, spaced out by at least a week, between 1 a.m. and 5:15 a.m., with a 15-minute break halfway through the journey.
From 09:30 to 12:45 you will take part in group STANDARD lessons, split into two 90-minute blocks with a 15-minute break in the middle.
It is currently possible to drive for up to 8 hours and 59 minutes with only a 15-minute break.
Can we take a 15-minute break or like an hour?
And then you have a potential 15-minute break.
George lets you take a 15 minute bathroom break.
After a 15-minute coffee break, we had our first breakout session.

Alternatives:

a 10-minute break
a 5-second delay
a 3-hour movie
a 2-day trip
a 1-year warranty

This phrase is correct. The unit of time 'minutes' is plural because it is describing the noun 'break.'

"A 15 minutes break"

This phrase is correct when you want to emphasize that the break is composed of 15 individual minutes.

Show examples from the web [+]

The final round... will restart after a 15 minutes break.
Morning session is for three hours with a 15 minutes break.
Evening classes are typically from 4.15pm to 8.30pm, with a 15 minute break in between.
For five minutes, and from here on in you can take a 15-minute break every hour.
Talks+Q&A should be 45 minutes long, with a 15 minute break between events.
Regular sessions will be 45 minutes long, including time for questions, with a 15 minute break between events.
This block of lessons is divided into two 90-minute sessions, with a 15-minute break inbetween.
Gentlemen, let's take a 15-minute break while we clear up the table.
Let's take a 15-minute break, everyone.
Add in the pillow, and a 15-minute break from yard work will turn into an afternoon siesta.
A 15-minute break is good for concentration, and I would ask the Bureau to make provision for one in future.
Each driver completed three night drives, spaced out by at least a week, between 1 a.m. and 5:15 a.m., with a 15-minute break halfway through the journey.
From 09:30 to 12:45 you will take part in group STANDARD lessons, split into two 90-minute blocks with a 15-minute break in the middle.
It is currently possible to drive for up to 8 hours and 59 minutes with only a 15-minute break.
Want to take a 15 minute break with me?
Can we take a 15-minute break or like an hour?
And then you have a potential 15-minute break.
George lets you take a 15 minute bathroom break.
After a 15-minute coffee break, we had our first breakout session.
The final set of discussions this afternoon began at 3:45 p.m., after a 15-minute coffee break in the Fetzer Center lobby.

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A 15 minute break vs A 15 minutes break

"A 15 minute break"

"A 15 minutes break"

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