a tax break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tax break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a reduction in the amount of tax that an individual or business has to pay. Example: "The government announced a new tax break for small businesses to help stimulate the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We're talking about a tax break.

The New York Times

Otherwise they'd get a tax break.

The Guardian

The middle classes deserve a tax break.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, Congress let a tax break expire.

The New York Times

-- to give people a tax break.

The New York Times

Married couples get a tax break.

The New York Times

Actually, there used to be such a tax break.

The New York Times

Middle-income people are going to get a tax break.

The New York Times

About a third said some industries deserved a tax break.

The New York Times

CLINTON: I'd like a tax break for the middle class.

The New Yorker

President Bush allowed a tax break for them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic policy, use "a tax break" to refer to specific measures designed to reduce tax burdens for individuals or businesses.

Common error

Ensure you're not using "a tax break" when you mean illegal tax evasion. A tax break is a legal incentive, while tax evasion is an illegal activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tax break" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. Ludwig AI shows it often appears in discussions of economic policy and government initiatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tax break" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a reduction in tax liability. Ludwig AI analysis reveals its frequent use in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using "a tax break", it's essential to differentiate it from illegal activities like tax evasion, as a tax break is a legal incentive. Consider alternatives like "tax incentive" or "tax relief" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tax incentive

Focuses on the incentive aspect rather than the reduction.

tax reduction

Directly states the act of reducing taxes.

tax relief

Emphasizes the easing of a tax burden.

tax concession

Highlights the act of granting a privilege regarding taxes.

reduction in taxes

Rephrases the concept with a slightly different structure.

tax allowance

Highlights the amount deducted from taxable income.

fiscal stimulus

Describes the broader economic impact of tax reductions.

tax advantage

Focuses on the benefit gained from a particular tax situation.

break on taxes

Inverts the phrase, keeping the meaning similar.

tax exemption

Implies freedom from being taxed in certain situations.

FAQs

How do you use "a tax break" in a sentence?

You can use "a tax break" to describe a reduction in taxes. For example, "The government offered "a tax break" for renewable energy investments."

What's the difference between "a tax break" and "a tax deduction"?

"A tax break" is a general term for any kind of tax reduction, while "a tax deduction" is a specific reduction of taxable income.

What can I say instead of "a tax break"?

Alternatives include "tax incentive", "tax reduction", or "tax relief depending on the specific context".

Who typically benefits from "a tax break"?

The beneficiaries of "a tax break" vary depending on the specific policy, and can include individuals, small businesses, or large corporations.