break away

USAGE SUMMARY

"break away" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to mean "to leave or escape from a person, group, or place," or "to separate from a larger group or organization." For example: "The small group of protesters broke away from the march and began chanting their own slogans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Time to break away".

Independent

These particles eventually break away.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They can't break away.

The Guardian - Opinion

Could they break away from Scotland?

The Economist

Break away from the past.

Harvard Business Review

Can he now break away?

The New York Times

It wasn't always easy to break away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's hard to break away," he explained.

The New York Times

Will the north really let the south break away?

The New York Times

The losers in a forthcoming primary may break away.

The Economist

Even so, he does not expect Germany to break away.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the tone when using "break away"; it can range from neutral to rebellious depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "break away" when a simpler verb like "leave" or "separate" would suffice. Overusing the phrasal verb can make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "break away" functions primarily as a verb expressing actions of separation, departure or escape. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct. Examples show its use in describing physical movement (runners breaking away) and ideological shifts (breaking away from tradition).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "break away" is a versatile term meaning to separate, escape, or deviate. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples showcasing its use in diverse contexts. Its frequency is very common, particularly in news and media, though it maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. Remember to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and choose alternatives like "separate oneself" or "detach oneself" for more formal tones. Avoid overuse, ensuring a natural and clear writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

separate oneself

Focuses on the act of distancing oneself from a group or entity.

detach oneself

Emphasizes the emotional or physical disconnection from something.

escape

Highlights the act of fleeing or avoiding something undesirable.

secede

Implies a formal withdrawal, often from a political body or organization.

split off

Suggests a division or branching out from a larger whole.

diverge

Indicates a departure from a common path or direction.

depart

A general term for leaving a place or situation.

abandon

Suggests leaving something behind, often with a negative connotation.

rebel

Implies active resistance against authority or convention.

defect

Suggests abandoning allegiance to one side in favor of another.

FAQs

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

You can use "break away" to describe a physical escape, like "The runner tried to break away from the pack", or an ideological separation, such as "She decided to break away from her family's traditions".

What's the difference between "break away" and "break free"?

"Break free" often implies liberation or overcoming obstacles, while "break away" is more general and can simply mean to separate or leave.

What can I say instead of "break away" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "separate oneself", "detach oneself", or "secede", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "break away" formal or informal?

"Break away" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.