break about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break about" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to pause or disrupt with suddenness or abruptness. This phrase is often used to describe a physical or emotional interruption. Example: The meeting had to break about 15 minutes into it because the power went out. In this example, "break about" means that the meeting had to suddenly pause or be disrupted because of the unexpected interruption of a power outage. Another example: I had to take a break about halfway through my workout to catch my breath. In this sentence, "break about" indicates that the speaker had to pause or disrupt their workout halfway through to rest and catch their breath.

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Highest Break 146 (2006 UK Championship).

Independent

cold duct break, 10 in.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

This year, he hopes to break 100 miles.

The New York Times - Sports

Now we brag when we break 10,000.

The New York Times

2. Will Jamal Lewis break 300 yards this week?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Only 21 players managed to break 70.

The New York Times - Sports

You're going to break 70".

The New York Times

He is yet to break 70 here.

The Guardian - Sport

If you break 80, watch your business"?

The Guardian - Sport

· Prison Break, 10pm, Mondays, on Five.

The Guardian - Film

"Coffee Break, 11 10 am, Vienna," by Peter Maides.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "break about", ensure the context clearly indicates a sudden or abrupt interruption, whether physical or emotional. Otherwise, consider using more common alternatives like "pause" or "interrupt".

Common error

Avoid using "break about" in formal or professional writing, as it may sound less polished than alternatives like "pause" or "suspend". Opt for more conventional phrasing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break about" primarily functions as a verb phrase, denoting the action of suddenly pausing or disrupting something. Ludwig AI suggests it describes physical or emotional interruptions.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase "break about" is grammatically correct and suggests it means to pause or disrupt with suddenness or abruptness, real-world examples are absent. This rarity affects its perceived formality and clarity. Because of this, the phrase isn't recommended for formal contexts, and more common alternatives should be considered to avoid any potential confusion or misinterpretation. Based on the available information, it is a valid but uncommon way to indicate a sudden pause or disruption.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pause briefly

Emphasizes a short interruption.

interrupt abruptly

Focuses on the suddenness of the interruption.

halt momentarily

Highlights a temporary stop.

disrupt suddenly

Indicates an unexpected disturbance.

take a quick breather

Suggests a short rest for recovery.

suspend for a moment

Implies a temporary cessation.

cease briefly

Emphasizes a short period of stopping.

come to a standstill briefly

Highlights a temporary cessation of movement.

hold up for a second

Suggests a short delay.

intermit for an instant

Focuses on a very short interruption

FAQs

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

You can use "break about" to describe a sudden interruption or pause. For example, "The discussion had to "pause briefly" when the alarm went off".

What can I say instead of "break about"?

Alternatives include "interrupt abruptly", "pause briefly", or "halt momentarily", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "break about" commonly used in writing?

While grammatically correct, "break about" is not a very common phrase. Consider using more conventional alternatives for clarity and wider acceptance.

What is the difference between "break about" and "interrupt abruptly"?

"Break about" implies a sudden pause or disruption, while ""interrupt abruptly"" emphasizes the unexpected and often forceful nature of the interruption.