break

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as both a noun and a verb. Example sentence: We had a break for lunch at noon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"East Coast is particularly sorry, too, for the inconvenience to its customers as a result on what we know is an already very busy travel day immediately following the Christmas break.

The Guardian - Business

"I know that that this means to offer the right hand of friendship to keep the left hand free to deliver the knockout blow to break Britain apart.

The Guardian

Give me a break.

The New York Times

I mean, give me a break.

The Guardian

"You cheerfully break every rule of the theatre that I was brought up to believe in, except the cardinal one of never boring for a split-second".

The Economist

Lowe, unaware of the storm about to break above his head, reportedly turned to a friend and said "Damn!

The Guardian - Film

Prout arose to help with a problematic area of this wonderful setup: Anything can break.

The Guardian

But break that formula down into its constituent parts and there's really nothing new here.

The Guardian - Film

First-round opponent: [WC] Manon Arcangioli (FRA) Drawing a home-country wild card in a Grand Slam is about as good as it gets, and Arcangioli, a 20-year-old ranked No275, is a break.

The Guardian - Sport

"Everyone is hoping they can be the team to break away but, with so few games to go, I think it looks unlikely.

The Guardian - Sport

Any one template has internal logic which changes the layout subtly according to where a production staffer marks a break or places an image or video.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "break" in technical writing, specify the type of break. For example, is it a "break" in code, a circuit "break", or a data transmission "break"? Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "break", which means to separate or interrupt, with "brake", which refers to a device used to slow down or stop a vehicle. Using the wrong word can completely change the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The word "break" serves as both a noun, denoting a pause or interruption, and a verb, indicating an act of separating or violating. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its versatility. According to Ludwig AI the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Sport

15%

Opinion

8%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Film

5%

Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "break" is a highly versatile word in English, functioning as both a noun and a verb with a wide range of meanings, from physical separation to temporary pauses. It is considered grammatically correct and usable, as confirmed by Ludwig. The usage of "break" is very common, particularly in news, media, and sports contexts. Being aware of its various meanings and potential for confusion with similar words like "brake" will help ensure accurate and effective communication. Ludwig's examples illustrate its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pause briefly

Implies a short cessation, often for rest or reconsideration.

suspend activity

Focuses on the temporary halting of a particular action.

interrupt temporarily

Emphasizes the temporary cessation of an activity or process.

take a breather

Focuses on the act of pausing for rest, emphasizing recovery and relaxation.

violate a rule

Highlights the act of contravening established norms or laws.

disclose information

Highlights the act of revealing previously unknown details.

rupture a connection

Emphasizes the forceful severing of a link or bond.

fracture a bone

Specifically refers to causing a crack or split in bone tissue.

a lucky opportunity

Specifically implies a fortunate or advantageous situation.

demolish something

Suggests total destruction of an object or structure.

FAQs

How can I use "break" as a noun in a sentence?

As a noun, "break" can refer to a pause or rest period. For instance, "Let's take a five-minute break" or "The weather forecast showed a break in the clouds".

What are some synonyms for "break" when used as a verb?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "break" as a verb include "fracture", "violate", "interrupt", or "pause".

Is it correct to say 'I need to break from work'?

While understandable, a more common and grammatically sound phrase would be 'I need a break from work' or 'I need to "take a break" from work'.

What's the difference between 'break' and 'breach'?

"Break" generally means to separate or interrupt, while "breach" often refers to a violation of a law, promise, or duty. For example, you might "break" a vase, but "breach" a contract.