a clean break

USAGE SUMMARY

"a clean break" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which people or things have completely separated or stopped doing something together. For example, "John and Jane decided to make a clean break after their failed relationship and have not seen each other since."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We need a clean break".

The Economist

I would have a clean break.

The New York Times

It was time for a clean break.

The New York Times

Of course, this isn't a clean break.

The New York Times

"Better it is a clean break.

The Guardian

"At the top is a clean break".

The New Yorker

They will have a clean break.

The New York Times

A clean break with the past was needed, it intimated.

The Economist

At 33, he was invited to make a clean break.

The New York Times - Sports

Some want a clean break with the past.

The Economist

A clean break is marginally the likelier outcome.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clean break" to emphasize a complete and decisive end to a relationship, situation, or project. For instance, "After the merger, the company sought a clean break from its previous management structure."

Common error

While "a clean break" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in very informal settings where simpler language might be more appropriate. Instead of saying "We need a clean break from this game", consider "Let's stop playing this game altogether".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clean break" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is used to denote a complete and decisive separation or end to a relationship, situation, or association, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clean break" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a decisive and complete separation from a relationship, situation, or project. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science and Wiki, suggesting a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intention of complete separation and finality. Consider alternatives like "a complete separation" or "a decisive split" depending on the context. Avoid overusing the phrase in very informal situations where simpler language might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complete separation

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the division, focusing on the absence of any remaining ties.

a decisive split

Highlights the firmness and finality of the separation.

a final parting

Focuses on the conclusive nature of the ending, particularly in relationships or partnerships.

severing all ties

Illustrates the action of cutting off all connections.

an abrupt departure

Highlights the suddenness of leaving a situation or relationship.

a clean slate

Suggests a fresh start after leaving something behind.

a fresh start

Focuses on the new beginning that follows the end of something.

cutting all connections

Emphasizes the act of severing relationships or links.

ending all association

Highlights the termination of a formal or informal relationship.

walking away entirely

Illustrates the act of completely disengaging from a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a clean break" in a sentence?

You can use "a clean break" to describe a decisive end to a relationship, project, or situation. For example, "The company decided to make "a clean break" from its old policies."

What's the difference between "a clean break" and "a fresh start"?

"A clean break" implies a complete separation from something, while "a fresh start" focuses on the beginning of something new. A clean break often precedes a fresh start.

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a complete separation", "a decisive split", or "severing all ties".

Is it grammatically correct to say "make a clean break"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and a common usage. For example, "They decided to make "a clean break" from their previous business partners."