a substantial break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant interruption or pause in an activity, process, or event. Example: "After a substantial break from work, she returned with renewed energy and focus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

We need a substantial break with tradition.

The Economist

Thus, Americans living abroad actually get a SUBSTANTIAL BREAK in the filing requirements, relative to anyone residing in the U.S.

The New York Times

Eliminating taxes on interest will only result in a substantial break for those with substantial income from interest.

The New York Times

But in principle, the idea that employers should want to keep hold of talented people, even after a substantial break, is a good one.

The Guardian - Opinion

Under league rules, the annual cap figure for the Devils would have been the average per year -- $6 million, a substantial break for seven of the seasons.

The New York Times

"After 14 years without a substantial break I'm fried, and I need to fill up my soul with art and music," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Although divergence is also evident across the St Lawrence Gap in the delicate skink (4.8%, mid-late Pliocene, subclade 1b vs 1c), a more substantial break is evident a little to the south, between clades 1 and 3 (7.1%, late Miocene) in the Gladstone region (Table 5, Figure 2, 3, 4, 5).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

A more substantial break occurs between inland (Clade 4) and coastal (Clade 5) delicate skink populations north of the Hunter Valley in NSW (4.5%, early-mid Pliocene; Table 5, Figure 6).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

His factories were accused of importing sugar from outside Europe that was then repackaged and sold to the European Union, thereby receiving a substantial tax break.

The New York Times

The best views of the phenomenon will be had along the north-west coast, southern Wales and southern parts of the Midlands, where there is expected to be a substantial enough break in the cloud.

Independent

Given the fast pace of modern life, it is worth considering whether employers should require a substantial lunch break.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing time off from work or studies, consider using "a substantial break" to convey a sense of significant duration and potential for rejuvenation.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial break" when referring to a very short interruption. This phrase suggests a significant duration of time off.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial break" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "break". It describes a significant or considerable interruption or pause. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

25%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial break" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a significant pause or interruption. While Ludwig confirms its validity, it's important to note that it is more than a brief pause, and suggests a more considerable length of time. It appears frequently in "News & Media" and "Science", and its register is generally neutral, fitting a range of communication styles. When looking for similar phrases consider options like ""a considerable pause"" or ""a significant interruption"" depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable pause

Focuses on the duration and not necessarily the impact.

a significant interruption

Highlights the act of stopping something rather than the benefits.

an extensive hiatus

Emphasizes the length and formal nature of the break.

a lengthy recess

Suggests a formal and structured break.

a prolonged respite

Implies relief from something challenging or stressful.

a major vacation

Refers specifically to a holiday or time off for leisure.

a substantial leave

Suggests an officially approved absence, often from work.

a prolonged intermission

Commonly used in the context of performances or events.

a significant gap

Highlights the space or time between events or activities.

a notable discontinuation

Emphasizes that something has been stopped for a long time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial break" to describe a significant interruption or pause in an activity, process, or event. For example: "After a "substantial break" from work, she returned with renewed energy and focus."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial break"?

Alternatives include "a considerable pause", "a significant interruption", or "an extensive hiatus", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "substantial break" or "significant break"?

Both "substantial break" and "significant break" are correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. "Substantial" emphasizes the size or degree of the break, while "significant" highlights its importance or impact.

What kind of activities usually warrant "a substantial break"?

Activities that are demanding, stressful, or long-lasting often warrant "a substantial break". These could include intensive work projects, academic studies, or athletic training.