a definite break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definite break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clear or distinct separation or interruption in a process, situation, or relationship. Example: "After months of tension, the team finally reached a point of a definite break in communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"This is a definite break from what I would consider normal behavior for North Carolina," said David French, 27, who is looking for a job in industrial design here in rural Rockingham County.

The New York Times

U type curves are those curves where rising limb has a nearly uniform slope, but the recession limb shows a definite break in the slope.

Applied Water Science

The median duration of the interruption because of persistent leukocytopenia was 6 days (1 13 days) after a definite break.

British Journal of Cancer

Autoantibodies serve as early indicators of a definite break in tolerance and may provide insight into the pathogenesis of RA.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The Tea Party-ists are having so many internal fights that there's a definite danger of broken crockery.

The New York Times

And, by emphasizing that figural interpretation "had grown out of a definite historical situation, the Christian break with Judaism and the Christian mission among the Gentiles," he tacitly linked that break with the Nazis' attempt to despoil Jewish law and theology.

The New Yorker

"Money is a definite concern every time I break a twenty," Mrs. Morrison said.

The New York Times

They loook extremely vulnerable on the break and Equatorial Guinea a definite menace when they get the ball out wide on the left and get bodies forward in support.

The Guardian - Sport

They don't make foolish mistakes, because they have figured out that there is a definite formula for success, and they have broken the code.

Huffington Post

But in the end, her privacy concerns outweighed any benefits social media could provide, and she saw a definite upside when she went through a recent break-up.

The Guardian

That is a definite.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. "A definite break" works best when the separation has significant implications or consequences, making it a noteworthy event.

Common error

Avoid pairing "definite" with other intensifying adjectives or adverbs, such as "very definite" or "absolutely definite". The word "definite" already implies a strong degree of certainty and clarity, so adding further emphasis can sound redundant and weaken the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definite break" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a verb or as a complement within a sentence. It signifies a distinct and recognizable separation or interruption, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definite break" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to signify a clear and distinct separation or interruption. While relatively rare in overall usage, as indicated by Ludwig, it is commonly found in news and scientific contexts. Its function is to emphasize a noticeable change, and it carries a neutral to professional tone. When using this phrase, ensure that the break you are describing is indeed distinct and significant to warrant the strong adjective "definite". Consider alternatives like "a clear separation" or "a distinct interruption" for subtle nuances. Avoid redundant intensifiers like "very definite". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly acceptable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear separation

Emphasizes the distinctness of the separation.

a distinct interruption

Focuses on the interruption being easily noticeable.

a decisive split

Highlights the finality and impact of the separation.

a marked departure

Stresses a noticeable change in direction or behavior.

a sharp divergence

Indicates a sudden and significant difference.

a fundamental shift

Highlights a deep, underlying change.

a complete rupture

Emphasizes the total breakdown of a relationship or situation.

a clean division

Highlights that there is no mess and is well executed.

an obvious fracture

Underlines visibility and importance in the fracture.

a pronounced alteration

Stresses the significance of the change itself.

FAQs

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

Use "a definite break" to describe a clear and distinct separation or interruption. For example, "This decision represents "a definite break" from our previous policies."

What are some alternatives to "a definite break"?

You can use alternatives like "a clear separation", "a distinct interruption", or "a decisive split" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a definite break" or "a clear break"?

Both "a definite break" and "a clear break" are correct, but "a definite break" emphasizes certainty, while "a clear break" focuses on ease of identification. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is the phrase "a definite break" most appropriate?

The phrase "a definite break" is most appropriate when you want to highlight a significant and easily recognizable departure from a previous state, relationship, or pattern. For instance, "Her resignation signaled "a definite break" with the company's past."