break bonds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break bonds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing relationships, connections, or physical bonds, often implying a separation or dissolution. Example: "The intense argument caused them to break bonds that had taken years to build."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Energy is absorbed to break bonds, and energy is evolved as bonds are made.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most chemical reactions of organic compounds do not break bonds between carbon atoms and therefore leave the carbon skeleton unchanged.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rhodium had been shown to break bonds between carbon atoms, but only at high temperatures 200 to 300 °C.

MIT Technology Review

The energy required to break bonds between the metal atom and the ligands was calculated to find which precursors react most readily.

Stanford University

Electronegativity is commonly measured on a dimensionless scale from.7 to 3.3, which is calibrated on how easily the different elements form and break bonds.

Princeton University

In some reactions the energy required to break bonds is larger than the energy evolved on making new bonds, and the net result is the absorption of energy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The break bond density of silicon atoms at convex corner is higher than that of {111} planes.

Micro and Nano Systems Letters

The silicon atoms at concave corners do not contain any break bond and therefore the shape of concave corner is not distorted.

Micro and Nano Systems Letters

The walk broke Bonds's own single-season record of 177 walks, a mark set last year.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's the one record I don't think will ever be broken," Bonds said.

The New York Times - Sports

The abiotic degradation breaks bonds and releases degradation products, leaving the remaining polymer rearranged with a higher degree of order.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "break bonds" in scientific contexts, ensure the specific type of bond (e.g., chemical, hydrogen) is clear for precision.

Common error

Avoid using "break bonds" vaguely. Specify what type of bonds are being broken (e.g., chemical, physical, relational) to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break bonds" functions as a verb phrase where "break" is the verb and "bonds" is the direct object. It describes the action of disrupting or severing connections, whether physical or abstract, Ludwig examples demonstrate it's usage in both chemical reactions and interpersonal relationships.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

25%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break bonds" is a versatile term with significant usage across scientific, news, and academic contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed to describe the severing of physical connections (like chemical bonds) as well as abstract relationships. While its formality can vary depending on the context, it is crucial to be specific about the type of bond being broken to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "sever ties" or "dissolve connections" can provide nuanced options for expressing similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sever ties

Focuses on ending relationships or formal connections.

dissolve connections

Emphasizes dissolving existing links or associations.

rupture relationships

Highlights the forceful breaking of relationships.

shatter alliances

Implies a dramatic and destructive end to partnerships.

fracture links

Suggests creating cracks or weaknesses in existing links.

disrupt affiliations

Highlights the disruption of connections and associations.

separate connections

Focuses on distancing or dividing existing connections.

end relations

A more direct and simple way of stating the termination of relations.

terminate associations

Suggests a formal ending to established associations.

split apart

Focuses on physical separation or disintegration.

FAQs

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

You can use "break bonds" in sentences like: "The catalyst helps to break bonds in the molecule", "The conflict threatened to break bonds within the community" or "UV radiation can break bonds between atoms".

What can I say instead of "break bonds"?

You can use alternatives like "sever ties", "dissolve connections", or "rupture relationships" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "breaking bonds" instead of "break bonds"?

Yes, "breaking bonds" is the gerund or present participle form and can be used when referring to the act of breaking bonds, while "break bonds" is the infinitive form and is used more generally.

What kind of energy is needed to "break bonds"?

Breaking bonds generally requires energy input, often in the form of heat, light, or chemical catalysts. This energy is needed to overcome the attractive forces holding the atoms or molecules together.