a sudden break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sudden break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected interruption or change in a situation, event, or process. Example: "The meeting was going smoothly until there was a sudden break in the discussion when a fire alarm went off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It was a sudden break in the action for the Orioles' rookie pitcher, Jim Johnson, who never recovered.

The New York Times

A country which has been uniquely characterised by institutional continuity and constitutional evolution experienced a sudden break from them.

The Guardian

"Innovation today isn't a sudden break with the past, a brilliant insight that one lone outsider pushes through to save the company," he says.

The New York Times

During the era of perestroika, under Gorbachev, many people experienced a sudden "break in consciousness", as realisation dawned that the fall was imminent.

The Guardian - Opinion

His sweats grew worse when he pictured the dawn horizon solidifying — a sudden break in the mangroves that revealed the swallowing saltwater ocean, the big success for which the Model Land Company had hired the dredge and her crew.

The New Yorker

The leaders of Enlightenment thought did not make a sudden break with traditional ideas but gave up belief in miracles, the Virgin Birth, the Resurrection, and the Second Advent only gradually.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

5 20 P.M. (Sundance) TINY FURNITURE (2010) Thrust into an uncertain post-college world and unmoored after a sudden break-up, Aura (Lena Dunham) moves back home with her family, a clan of high-achieving Manhattanites.

The New York Times

The more Iran learns from its Russian helpers, the greater the danger that it could some day attempt a sudden break-out from the NPT, which requires only three months' notice of withdrawal.Some Russian missile specialists helping Iran are sniffy about its technological prowess.

The Economist

Iran can keep within the NPT's rules, while developing all the skills and expertise it needs for a sudden break-out and three months' notice of withdrawal is all the NPT officially requires.Renegotiating the treaty to close such loopholes looks impossibreak-out andd anyway be threeate for Iran.

The Economist

Also, a sudden breaking of the BP-iron oxide bond after injection is not in agreement with the slow rate of BP release found throughout the rest of the study and the in vitro stability studies.

ACS Nano

Exasperated that Vivien was in denial over their break-up, he writes: "It will be better to have a sharp sudden break and get it over with than allow matters to drag on for months until she becomes reconciled to the fact that I do not mean to return".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sudden break" to clearly indicate an abrupt change in a process, relationship, or situation. Ensure that the context makes it clear what is being interrupted or changed.

Common error

Avoid using "a sudden break" as a vague reference without specifying what caused the break. Always clarify the reason or circumstances leading to the interruption to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sudden break" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes an abrupt or unexpected interruption. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English, supported by multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sudden break" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an unexpected interruption or change. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and while it's not exceedingly common, it appears across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the cause or context of the break. Consider alternatives like "an abrupt cessation" or "an unexpected interruption" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an abrupt cessation

This alternative replaces "sudden break" with a more formal term emphasizing the immediate stop of something.

an unexpected interruption

This emphasizes the surprise element of the break, highlighting that it wasn't anticipated.

a sharp disruption

This alternative uses a stronger term, 'disruption', to suggest a more impactful interruption.

a precipitous halt

Replaces "sudden" with "precipitous", conveying the idea of a steep or rapid decline or stop.

an instantaneous pause

This alternative focuses on the immediacy of the break, indicating it happened in an instant.

a swift termination

Emphasizes the quick and decisive ending of something, replacing 'break' with a more formal term.

a surprise severance

This option highlights the element of surprise and finality in the interruption or end.

an unpredicted fracture

This uses 'fracture' to imply a break or split that was not foreseen or expected.

a quick severance

This emphasizes the quick separation or ending, offering a slightly less formal alternative.

an immediate suspension

This alternative suggests a temporary cessation, replacing 'break' with a term that implies something may resume.

FAQs

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

"A sudden break" is used to describe an unexpected interruption or change. For example, "There was "a sudden break" in the music when the power went out."

What are some alternatives to "a sudden break"?

Some alternatives include "an abrupt cessation", "an unexpected interruption", or "a sharp disruption", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a sudden break" in formal writing?

Yes, "a sudden break" is appropriate in formal writing as long as it accurately describes an abrupt interruption or change. However, more formal alternatives like "an abrupt cessation" might be preferable in some contexts.

What does "a sudden break" typically imply?

It implies an unexpected and immediate interruption or change in something, often suggesting surprise or a shift in the expected course of events.