break off relations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break off relations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of ending a relationship or diplomatic ties between individuals, groups, or countries. Example: "After the scandal, the two countries decided to break off relations to protect their national interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Finally, Victorian convention trumped Edwardian indiscretion: her mother intervened to break off relations.

The Guardian

Asked if Turkey might break off relations, he said: "We don't want this to go to that point".

The Guardian

He'd be threatening to break off relations with Saudi Arabia until it acknowledges the humanity of women.

The New York Times

He said this idiot Gaddafi wanted him to break off relations with the US and waved a letter around".

The Guardian

The reclusive leader of Afghanistan's Taliban has ruled out talks with President Hamid Karzai and called on Afghans to break off relations with his "stooge" administration.

The New York Times

Addressing a rally called by Sunni Muslim clerics in Cairo, Morsi said: "We decided today to entirely break off relations with Syria and with the current Syrian regime".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"Previous to the actual cease-fires," he said, "I had kind of broken off relations with the 'tragic subject matter.' " Around the time he turned 50, and both his parents had died, he found an opening inside himself.

The New York Times - Books

Sudan and Eritrea broke off relations in 1994.

The New York Times

Earlier this year he expelled the Israeli ambassador and broke off relations.

The Guardian

Henry VIII wanted to marry Anne Boleyn so broke off relations with the Pope, who opposed it.

The Guardian

The United States broke off relations with Cuba in 1961, two years after the Communist revolutionary Fidel Castro seized power.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "break off relations", ensure the context clearly indicates what type of relationship is being ended. For example, specify if it's diplomatic, personal, or business-related.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying the parties involved when using "break off relations". For instance, instead of just stating "they broke off relations", clarify who 'they' are and with whom they ended the relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break off relations" functions as a verb phrase indicating the termination of a connection, agreement, or association between two or more entities. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break off relations" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of ending a connection or relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both grammatically correct and widely applicable in various contexts. Its usage spans from severing diplomatic ties between nations to ending personal relationships. While the phrase maintains a generally neutral to formal tone, its frequency in news and media underscores its relevance in current affairs and formal discussions. When writing, ensure to specify the involved parties and the nature of the relationship to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "sever ties" and "cut off relations" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sever ties

Focuses on the act of cutting connections, often used in formal contexts.

cut off relations

Emphasizes a complete and often abrupt ending of a relationship.

terminate connections

Highlights the formal ending of a connection, often used in business or political contexts.

dissolve bonds

Emphasizes the undoing of a close or emotional relationship.

end association

Refers to the cessation of a formal or informal association.

rupture links

Suggests a forceful or dramatic breaking of a link.

suspend communications

Indicates a temporary cessation of communication or contact.

halt cooperation

Focuses on the cessation of cooperative efforts.

cancel agreements

Highlights the formal ending of agreed-upon terms.

abandon partnership

Emphasizes leaving a collaborative relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "break off relations" in a sentence?

You can use "break off relations" to describe the ending of diplomatic, personal, or business ties. For example, "After the scandal, the two countries decided to "break off relations"".

What is a less formal way to say "break off relations"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "sever ties" or "cut off relations" for a less formal tone. However, be mindful that these alternatives might not always be appropriate.

Is it correct to say "broken off relations"?

Yes, "broken off relations" is the past participle form and is correct when used in perfect tenses or as an adjective. For instance, "They have broken off relations" or "The broken off relations led to further conflict".

What's the difference between "break off relations" and "suspend relations"?

"Break off relations" implies a complete ending of ties, while "suspend relations" suggests a temporary cessation, with the possibility of resuming them in the future.