break from

USAGE SUMMARY

'Break from' is a grammatically correct phrase and is commonly used in written and spoken English.
It usually means to take a pause or interruption from something, or to separate or disconnect from something. Example: "I need to take a break from studying for my exam and clear my mind." (take a pause or interruption from studying) "I think it's time for us to take a break from our relationship." (separate or disconnect from the relationship) "I took a break from work to go on vacation last week." (pause or interruption from work) "The loud noise was a welcome break from the peaceful silence." (a pause or interruption in the peaceful silence).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They're a break from reality.

The New York Times - Magazine

They break from the gate.

The New York Times

Quite a break from tradition.

The Guardian

Need a break from history?

The New York Times - Travel

He recently took a break from "stop.

The New York Times - Arts

I like the break from photography.

The New York Times

It was a welcome break from school.

The New York Times - Magazine

Is this story a break from that?

The New Yorker

Everyone needs a break from the garden.

The New York Times

I was taking a break from Picasso.

The New Yorker

The horses break from the starting gate.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "break from" to indicate a temporary pause or interruption in an activity, routine, or relationship, especially when emphasizing the relief or change of pace it provides.

Common error

Avoid using "break from" when you intend to express a permanent ending or severance. Use stronger terms like "separate from", "divorce from", or "abandon" to convey a definitive and lasting separation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break from" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating separation, interruption, or a temporary pause from a specific activity, routine, or situation. As Ludwig AI points out, it is widely used in different contexts. For example, "break from reality" indicates a temporary escape.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "break from" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates a temporary pause, interruption, or departure from something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using "break from", it's important to consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of a temporary separation, rather than a permanent one. Consider alternatives such as "pause from", "step away from", or "diverge from" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Avoid confusing it with stronger terms that imply permanent separation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a respite from

Emphasizes a temporary rest or relief, particularly from something tiring or stressful.

pause from

Underlines a brief cessation before resuming again.

escape from

Suggests a more forceful departure, often to avoid something unpleasant or restrictive.

take time off from

Highlights a period of absence, often scheduled or planned, from a commitment.

step away from

Indicates a temporary removal from a situation or task.

detach from

Implies a separation, often emotional or psychological, from something previously connected.

disengage from

Suggests a deliberate withdrawal from involvement or participation.

diverge from

Highlights a deviation or departure from a standard or norm.

interrupt

Emphasizes a temporary disruption or cessation of an activity or process.

suspend from

Expresses a temporary cessation with the possibility of reinstatement.

FAQs

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

You can use "break from" to indicate a pause or interruption. For example, "I need a break from studying" or "They decided to break from tradition".

What's a good alternative to "break from" that still suggests a temporary pause?

Consider using "pause from" or "respite from" if you want to convey a similar meaning of a temporary halt.

Is it correct to say "take a break from" instead of just "break from"?

Yes, "take a break from" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the need for a pause or rest from an activity. The choice between "break from" and "take a break from" often depends on the context and desired emphasis.

When is it more appropriate to use "diverge from" instead of "break from"?

"Diverge from" is more suitable when describing a departure from a standard, norm, or expected path, whereas "break from" often implies a temporary pause or relief. "Diverge from" emphasizes the change in direction or approach.