a break of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a break of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to a pause or interruption in a process, activity, or situation. Example: "After a long meeting, we decided to take a break of fifteen minutes to recharge."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Four straight games featured a break of serve.

The New York Times - Sports

Cuevas grabbed a break of serve in the third game.

The New York Times - Sports

And then Higgins sealed his titlewith a break of 78.

The Guardian - Sport

HO: It's interesting to hear that, the idea of taking a break, of having another space.

Stanford University

It came down to a break of Raonic, with Tsonga getting three match points.

The New York Times

See articleSyria and Iraq agreed to restore diplomatic relations after a break of 24 years.

The Economist

Syria established formal ties with Baghdad last week after a break of 25 years.

The Economist

There was a break of about one minute after the man most prominently featured was wounded.

The New York Times

But in the current negotiations, what, exactly, constitutes a break of the pledge?

The New Yorker

After a break of three or four breaths, "the procedure may then be repeated".

The New Yorker

A break of throw.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a break of" to indicate a time interval, be specific about the duration (e.g., "a break of five minutes").

Common error

Avoid using "a break of" when referring to a permanent separation or ending. Instead, opt for phrases like "the end of" or "a termination of". For example, use "the end of the partnership" instead of "a break of the partnership" if the partnership has permanently dissolved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a break of" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a prepositional complement or as part of a larger noun phrase. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in indicating a duration or period of interruption.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a break of" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate a pause or interruption, particularly concerning a duration or interval. As per Ludwig AI, it's widely applicable across various contexts, from scientific studies to news reports. The phrase functions primarily as a noun phrase specifying the length or nature of a temporary cessation. While generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid misusing it for permanent endings; alternatives like "the end of" are more suitable in such cases. Usage examples from authoritative sources like the BBC and The New York Times highlight its versatility and proper application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an interruption of

Focuses on the act of stopping something temporarily.

a pause in

Emphasizes a temporary cessation of activity.

a lapse in

Highlights a temporary failure or decline.

a gap in

Refers to a space or interval between events or elements.

a respite from

Suggests a period of rest or relief from something difficult.

a suspension of

Implies a temporary stopping of something, often official.

a cessation of

Indicates a complete stopping of something.

a moratorium on

Refers to a temporary prohibition of an activity.

an interval of

Highlights the measured time between events.

a discontinuity in

Emphasizes a lack of seamless connection or flow.

FAQs

How to use "a break of" in a sentence?

You can use "a break of" to indicate an interruption or pause in an activity or relationship. For example, "There was a break of five minutes between sets", or "Syria and Iraq agreed to restore diplomatic relations after a break of 24 years".

What can I say instead of "a break of"?

You can use alternatives like "an interruption of", "a pause in", or "a lapse in" depending on the context.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a break of"?

It's generally inappropriate to use "a break of" when referring to something that is permanently discontinued. In such cases, use phrases like "the end of" or "a termination of".

What's the difference between "a break of" and "a break from"?

"A break of" usually refers to a duration or interval (e.g., "a break of 10 minutes"), while "a break from" signifies a respite or temporary departure from an activity or situation (e.g., "a break from work").