at the break when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the break when" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts discussing a specific moment during a break or pause in an event or activity. Example: "At the break when the meeting was paused, I took the opportunity to gather my thoughts."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It was sloppiness in the home ranks that allowed Toulouse to trail by only 13-9 athehe break when it should have been more.

The Guardian - Sport

"Every time we put on a blue shirt there's an energy around us". Leinster led, 14-6, athehe break, when coach Joe Schmidt reminded his team about the turnaround it had staged in the title game a year before.

The New York Times - Sports

Day, 39, ensured the sides went in level at the break when, during nine minutes of stoppage time, he pulled off a fine save with his legs to keep out Dave Worrall's close-range shot.

The Guardian - Sport

The Wallabies were still alive at the break when they had no right to be, a little like Rafter had no right to take Agassi to a fifth set.

The Guardian - Sport

Jamie Ward had the Rams in front at the break when he volleyed home Johnny Russell's right-wing cross.

BBC

The visitors deservedly led at the break when Amalfitano fired a classy low shot past goalkeeper John Ruddy.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The hosts led 13-7 athehe break though when Nicky Griffiths scored before Dai Flanagan's penalty and drop-goal squared the match.

BBC

The teams were locked at 10-10 athehe break but when winger Lee Jones scored his first international try shortly after the restart, a first win of this Six Nations campaign looked a possibility.

BBC

Incorporation of 4,4′-dihydroxy-p-terphenyl (DHTP) and a new bisphenol comonomer, 4,4′-[trans-1,4-cyclohexanediylbis methylene)] bisphenol (CMB), into a dichlorodiphenyl sulfone (DCDPS) based poly(ether sulfone) resulted in a synergistic effect with an order of magnitude increase observed in the strain at break when compared to the structural analogs.

Polymer

Fortunately the children had been outside at lunch break when the tumult began on Tuesday.

The Guardian

Laidlaw got lucky when his close-range penalty went over via an upright and Di Bernardo brought the scores level at the half-time break when his kick from halfway sailed through the posts.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, consider replacing the phrase "at the break when" with more precise alternatives like "during the break when" or "at the moment when" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "at the break when" if the intention is to describe something that happens during the break, not precisely at the moment the break starts. Ensure your phrasing accurately reflects the temporal relationship you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the break when" functions as a temporal marker, attempting to specify the timing of an event in relation to a break. However, Ludwig AI suggests this construction isn't standard and might cause confusion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the break when" attempts to pinpoint a moment in time related to a break or pause. However, Ludwig AI notes that this construction isn't standard English and might lead to confusion. While common in News & Media, and appearing in Science and Business contexts, it is advisable to use clearer alternatives like "during the break when" or "at the moment when". Although "at the break when" is relatively frequent, favoring grammatically sound options will enhance clarity and professionalism. For instance "at the moment when" can be an alternative depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during the pause when

Focuses on a brief cessation of activity, highlighting a moment of interruption.

during the down time when

Suggests a period of inactivity or rest.

during the intermission when

Emphasizes a specific pause or interval within an event, such as a performance or game.

at the interval when

Indicates a designated break period, similar to intermission but more general.

during the recess when

Highlights a temporary suspension of proceedings, often in a formal or academic context.

at halftime when

Specifically refers to the break in the middle of a sports game.

when the match was paused

Indicates a interruption in a sports game.

while play was suspended

Highlights a temporary halt in an ongoing activity.

when activity ceased

Focuses on the moment when something stopped.

at the cessation of the meeting

Highlights the time when the meeting was stopped.

FAQs

What's a more grammatically sound alternative to "at the break when"?

Alternatives include "during the break when" or "at the moment when", depending on the intended meaning. For example: "During the break when the meeting was paused, I took the opportunity to gather my thoughts".

How can I use "at the break when" correctly in a sentence?

While not standard, it might be used to describe a specific action happening precisely as a break begins. It's often better to rephrase for clarity. Consider using alternatives like "during the break when".

Which is correct, "at the break when" or "during the break when"?

"During the break when" is generally preferred as it's more grammatically standard. "At the break when" is less common and can sound awkward. Using "during the break when" ensures better clarity.

What's the difference between "at the break when" and "at the moment when"?

"At the moment when" emphasizes a specific instant, while "at the break when" attempts to combine the start of a break with a specific time, which is often better expressed as "during the break". At the moment when