break loose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break loose" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to mean abruptly leave a place or situation, like in the sentence "The prisoners broke loose and ran away".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To break LOOSE.

Yale University

All hell might break loose.

The New York Times

"All hell will break loose".

The New York Times - Sports

And no, bedlam will not break loose.

The New York Times

In short, all hell would break loose.

The New Yorker

The boy stops trying to break loose.

The New Yorker

Luckily, all hell did not break loose.

The Guardian - Tech

Otherwise all hell will break loose.

The Guardian - Opinion

At this point, "all hell would break loose," Varoufakis said.

The New Yorker

"If something goes against them, hell will break loose".

Independent

When they left, we quickly saw all hell break loose.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "break loose" to describe an escape, ensure the subject is capable of self-agency. For instance, use "the prisoner broke loose" rather than "the door broke loose".

Common error

Avoid using "break loose" to describe inanimate objects unintentionally detaching or malfunctioning. Instead of saying "the handle broke loose", use "the handle came loose" or "the handle detached".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break loose" functions primarily as an intransitive verb phrase. It describes an action of escaping or becoming free from restraint or control. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

16%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break loose" is a versatile expression, primarily functioning as an intransitive verb phrase. It describes the act of escaping or becoming free from restraint. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and common usage make it suitable for various contexts. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources, showing its neutrality in register. When using "break loose", it's crucial to ensure the subject can logically perform the action. Alternatives such as "escape confinement" or "get free" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get free

A more direct and simple way of expressing the idea of becoming free from restraint.

escape confinement

This alternative emphasizes the act of escaping from a state of being confined.

become unbound

This phrase highlights the state of no longer being restricted or tied down.

burst out

Indicates a sudden and forceful exit or expression.

erupt

Implies a sudden and forceful release or outbreak, similar to a chaotic event.

kick off

Suggests the commencement of something, often an event or a disturbance.

go wild

This phrase indicates a loss of control and the onset of unrestrained behavior.

unleash chaos

Focuses on the act of releasing disorder or turmoil.

go rogue

Implies acting independently and against established rules or norms.

spring forth

Highlights a sudden and energetic emergence or release.

FAQs

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

You can use "break loose" to describe escaping a physical restraint, as in "The dog managed to "get free" and "escaped" from the yard". It can also describe the start of chaos, for example, "If the negotiations fail, all hell will "unleash chaos"".

What is a similar phrase to "break loose"?

Similar phrases include "escape confinement", "get free", or "burst out", depending on the context. They all convey a sense of escaping or being released.

When is it appropriate to use "break loose" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "break loose" when describing a literal escape or when referring to the start of something chaotic. Ensure that the subject can logically perform the action of breaking free. For example, avoid saying "the button broke loose" when you mean "the button came loose".

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

While similar, "break loose" often implies a more sudden or forceful escape or start of chaos. "Get free" is often used in more general contexts to describe gaining liberty. "Break loose" might imply a struggle or a sudden release of energy.