break a course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break a course" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to interrupting or altering a course of action or study, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "If you find the material too challenging, you might consider breaking a course and taking a different one."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There are time bonuses here, however, that will reward Keitany handsomely should she break a course record.

The New York Times

To maintain chemotherapy exposure during the radiation-free break, a course of chemotherapy was delivered.

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Their 5.04-second start also broke a course record.

The New York Times - Sports

In 2006, Jones became the first African-American to break a long-course world record when he was part of the United States relay team that set the global mark that fell Sunday night.

The New York Times

In September, he broke a turf-course record at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto when he cruised in the Woodbine Mile, which he also won in 2012.

The New York Times - Sports

Your heart will break a million times during the course of those two years.

Huffington Post

Meade watched dumbstruck as Go Native, probably the best horse in his care, broke a leg in the course of a routine canter up a freshly harrowed gallop.

Independent

This breaks a promise that existing-course revenues would be spared.

The New York Times

Craig Thomas of Metropolis Country Club broke a 71-year-old competitive course record with a seven-under-par 64 yesterday at the Black Course at Bethpage in the second round of the North Fork Bank New York State Open Championship.

The New York Times

Coetzee, a South African, had nine birdies and an eagle to break the course record.

The New York Times - Sports

One was an acting class, the kind that feels like prison camp and treats students like detainees who need to be broken; another was a course in television writing, which seemed practical.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using "break a course", consider more precise verbs like "interrupt", "change", or "suspend" to convey the intended meaning accurately. This will improve clarity and avoid grammatical errors.

Common error

Avoid using "break" in conjunction with "course" when referring to academic or structured activities. "Break" typically implies shattering or disrupting, which doesn't align with the intended meaning of altering or pausing a course. Instead, use verbs that accurately reflect the action, such as "interrupt", "change", or "pause".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break a course" is generally not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It aims to express an interruption or alteration of a planned activity, but it's not a conventional expression. The examples found by Ludwig highlight some situations where it has been used, but the Ludwig AI suggests it is not correct and doesn't convey a clear meaning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "break a course" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity in standard English. As Ludwig AI explains, it is not a standard expression. While it may be used to express the idea of interrupting, changing, or discontinuing a course of action or study, it is advisable to use more precise and grammatically correct alternatives such as "interrupt a course", "change a course", or "suspend a course" to ensure clear and effective communication. Although there are some sources using it like The New York Times, The Guardian and more, it's highly advisable not to use "break a course" in your written or spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interrupt a course

Replaces "break" with "interrupt", focusing on pausing or disrupting a course of study or action.

disrupt a course

Emphasizes the act of causing disorder or problems within a course.

change a course

Focuses on altering the direction or content of a course.

alter a course

Similar to "change a course", but suggests a more formal or significant modification.

suspend a course

Highlights the temporary cessation of a course.

discontinue a course

Emphasizes the permanent ending of a course.

take a break from a course

Focuses on a temporary pause in one's involvement with a course.

deviate from a course

Highlights a departure from the planned path or direction of a course.

diverge from a course

Similar to "deviate from a course", but implies a more significant separation.

pause a course

Indicates a brief interruption in the progress of a course.

FAQs

What does "break a course" mean?

The phrase "break a course" is not standard English and may not be readily understood. Depending on the context, it could be interpreted as interrupting, changing, or discontinuing a course of study or action. It's best to use clearer alternatives.

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

Depending on the intended meaning, you can use alternatives like "interrupt a course", "change a course", "suspend a course", or "take a break from a course".

Is "break a course" grammatically correct?

No, "break a course" is generally not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use more precise and widely accepted phrases.

How can I use "break" correctly in a sentence related to education?

You can use "break" correctly in phrases like "take a break" or "spring break", but not directly with "course". For example, "Let's "take a break" between courses" is correct.