a neat break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a neat break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clean or tidy separation or division in various contexts, such as writing, design, or even in conversation. Example: "The author used a neat break between chapters to enhance the flow of the narrative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Steenson put the Chiefs back in front with another penalty before Lewington made a neat break.

Independent

After a neat break by Gordon D'Arcy and then Reddan, and a few exploratory, close-range biffs by the Leinster forwards, the Toulouse defense shrunk inwards, leaving Jamie Heaslip free to score untouched in the corner.

The New York Times - Sports

Daley-Mclean, with a neat break and the hint of a forward pass,then gave Scott the opportunity to touch down under the posts and England were out of sight.

The Guardian - Sport

Northampton won possession from the restart and George Pisi made a neat break down the hosts' right.

BBC

But they made a good start when Mulipola touched down in the right corner after a neat break by Flood, who also added the excellent conversion.

BBC

Ulster could have had a third try but Paddy Wallace failed to hold a Simon Danielli pass after the full-back made a neat break off a Darren Cave pass.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In Almao's digital world, her strength may be that everything feels spontaneous in a neat way a break from the often overly-calculated or heavily conceptual projects that also occupy this terrain.

Vice

The separation advocated by the commission is a compromise that will make the system safer if it is done properly, but a clean break would be neater.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was the left-right brain split, which insisted on a far neater break within our heads (Spock bits to the left, Kirk bits to the right) than is now believed to exist.

The New Yorker

Deadspin also took that information and turned it into a neat infographic, breaking down where his hours are spent each week.

The Guardian - Sport

He was suspicious of the neat breaks in some of the sculptures, which preserved their heads, hands and saleable features intact, and which he likened to breaks made by looters when dividing up pieces among themselves.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a neat break" when you want to highlight the skillful or efficient way a pause or interruption is executed, particularly in sports or complex situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a neat break" in formal or academic writing where more precise or technical language might be required. It is best suited for describing actions or maneuvers where skill and precision are involved.

Linguistic Context

Adjectival phrase modifying a noun. "A neat break" functions as an adjectival phrase, where "neat" describes the quality of the "break". This suggests a skillful or well-executed action. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a neat break" describes a skillful or efficient interruption, primarily used in News & Media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and highlights the quality of an action, particularly in scenarios like sports or strategic maneuvers. When aiming for precision in formal settings, consider alternative phrases such as "a skillful interruption" or "a clean interruption", but in general contexts, "a neat break" effectively conveys a sense of skillful execution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clean interruption

Highlights the clarity and decisiveness of the break.

a skillful interruption

Emphasizes the skill involved in creating the break.

a well-executed pause

Highlights the quality and precision of the break.

an efficient pause

Focuses on the effectiveness and economy of the break.

a precise separation

Focuses on accuracy and exactness in creating the break.

a clever divergence

Suggests ingenuity or inventiveness in the way the break is created.

a smart digression

Highlights the intelligence and purpose behind the break.

a deft maneuver

Emphasizes agility and skill in executing the break.

a streamlined transition

Focuses on efficiency and smoothness in the way the break is used to change direction or focus.

an elegant shift

Suggests grace and style in how the break is introduced.

FAQs

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

You can use "a neat break" to describe a skillful maneuver or pause, such as in sports or negotiations. For example, "The rugby player made "a neat break" through the defense."

What is an alternative to "a neat break"?

Alternatives include "a skillful interruption", "a clean interruption", or "a well-executed pause", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a neat break"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the skill, precision, or efficiency of an interruption or pause, especially in scenarios involving action or strategy.

Is "a neat break" formal or informal?

"A neat break" tends to be more informal and is suitable for news articles, sports commentary, or casual conversation. More formal contexts might require a different phrase.