a late break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a late break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as sports, weather, or any situation where something occurs later than expected or planned. Example: "The team managed to score a goal after a late break in the game, surprising their opponents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Rodrigo sealed the points for Benfica on a late break.

The Guardian - Sport

His coaches worked the phones furiously, hoping for a late break.

The New York Times - Sports

It looks like a fastball but has a late break to it and it breaks down".

The New York Times - Sports

Clearing space for Casper was Weber, who lined up on the left end and took off downfield with a late break toward the sideline.

The New York Times - Sports

There was speculation that "shy Tories" did not want to admit to pollsters they were backing the party and of a "late break" to Mr Cameron's party.

Independent

On Sunday, he got a late break on a Werth bloop single in the third, and Werth came around to score.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Write and perform a "late breaking" report of Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address," the Boston Tea Party, or an American history even of your choice.

The New York Times

Campbell stopped Mattias Janmark on a late break-in, and the Stars goal came on a deflection off Esa Lindell with goalie Ben Bishop pulled for an extra attacker with 64 seconds left.

Los Angeles Times

(In a late breaking development, it has also been reported that Iceland's Pirate Party has proposed a bill in the local parliament that would grant Snowden asylum, though it's unlikely that the measure will be considered anytime soon, since legislators are currently off on summer break).

Huffington Post

And just when I thought the social media barrage couldn't get worse, up popped a late breaking news item on the husband who posted pictures of his dead wife on Facebook and took the opportunity to announce that he had just killed her.

Huffington Post

The first interim analyses of three adjuvant trastuzumab studies were presented at a late- breaking session at the ASCO meeting on May 16 , 2005[ 12, 13].

BMC Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a late break" in sports writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is 'breaking' (e.g., a run, a pass, a tackle) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the audience automatically understands what caused "a late break". Be explicit whether it was due to an opponent's error, a change in strategy, or simply luck.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a late break" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an event or opportunity that occurs near the end of a process or activity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Sports

26%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a late break" is a noun phrase commonly used to describe a sudden or unexpected opportunity or event that occurs towards the end of a process, activity, or game. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and acceptable in written English. It's primarily used in news and media, particularly in sports reporting, to highlight key moments that shift momentum or provide an advantage. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "a last-minute opportunity" or "a delayed advantage". Some contexts, such as academic publications, have less frequently uses of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a last-minute opportunity

Focuses on the timing of the opportunity being at the very end.

a final hour chance

Emphasizes the limited time remaining when the chance arises.

a belated opening

Highlights the tardiness of the opportunity's arrival.

a delayed advantage

Stresses that the advantage was not available earlier.

a tardy development

Underscores the slowness in the unfolding of events.

a subsequent interval

Highlights that event appears after another event.

a terminal window

A point in time where action is possible.

a concluding split

Focuses on the closing moments where the split occurs.

a closing period gap

Refers to the existence of a gap within a closing time frame.

a finishing stage interval

Indicates that the interval happens towards the final portion.

FAQs

How can "a late break" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a late break" to describe a sudden opportunity or advantage that arises unexpectedly towards the end of a process or event. For example, "The team capitalized on "a late break" in the opponent's defense to score the winning goal".

What is a similar phrase to "a late break"?

Similar phrases include "a last-minute opportunity", "a belated opening", or "a delayed advantage". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a late break-in" instead of "a late break"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, they have different meanings. "A late break" generally refers to an opportunity or advantage, whereas "a late break-in" refers to an illegal entry into a building, typically to commit theft.

What does "a late break" imply in a sports context?

In sports, "a late break" typically implies a sudden, often unexpected, development that gives one team or player an advantage. This could be a defensive error, a sudden burst of speed, or any event that shifts the momentum of the game. For example, "The forward had "a last-minute opportunity" due to the "a late break" from the defense.