break the atmosphere

USAGE SUMMARY

"break the atmosphere" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe an action or event that interrupts or changes the atmosphere or mood in a given situation. For example, you might say "When she slammed the door, it broke the atmosphere in the room".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The sight of a human face would break the atmosphere.

Independent

The aim of coming out in public was to "break the atmosphere of fear created by military rule," they announced.

The Guardian

From there, you can board your ship, take off, break the atmosphere and begin to tour the galaxy (all without the interruption of a loading screen).

The Guardian - Tech

The most intuitive way to simplify the problem was to break the atmosphere down into a finite series of boxes, or what meteorologists variously refer to as a matrix, a lattice or a grid.

The New York Times - Magazine

Among the things he said: "It's time to break the atmosphere of fear, to say it's all right to criticize the government, to hold it accountable for its actions".

The New York Times

It also leaks a lot of light, as it doesn't "seal" at the bottom, which can break the atmosphere of scarier games.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

She did it by breaking her computer "universe" into grains, in the way that a weather-forecasting program breaks the atmosphere into cells.

The Economist

Here at lesson breaks the atmosphere was so very different – lively but courteous boys filled the corridors with a good buzz not a threatening tumult.

The Guardian

Some people feel it breaks the atmosphere of the concert - not least musicians, who don't necessarily find the ping-pong between chat-show mode and performance mode an easy one to handle.

The Guardian

Rather, it landed like an enormous spaceship breaking the atmosphere in an explosion of sound and color.

Vice

The otherwise fascinating, enjoyably terrifying and faithful Alien game Alien: Isolation takes 23 minutes to Exposition Graffiti, and once you get there it really breaks the atmosphere that developers Creative Assembly have spent a great deal of time and care to create.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "break the atmosphere", consider the specific context. It can refer to disrupting a literal physical atmosphere (like a spaceship entering Earth) or a figurative atmosphere (like a tense social situation). Choose your words carefully to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "break the atmosphere" when a more nuanced phrase would better capture the intended meaning. For example, instead of saying "His joke broke the atmosphere of sadness", try "His joke lightened the mood" for a more accurate description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break the atmosphere" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used transitively. It signifies an action that disrupts or alters an existing environment, whether literal or figurative. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break the atmosphere" is a grammatically correct expression that signifies disrupting or altering an existing environment, whether physical or emotional. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. While its frequency is uncommon, the phrase finds application across various contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. It’s crucial to consider both literal and figurative meanings to ensure clarity. Related phrases offer nuanced alternatives. The provided guidance helps to avoid misinterpretations, while the FAQs address common linguistic questions. With a neutral register and a relatively high source quality score, this phrase can be confidently employed when describing a shift in a particular setting or mood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disrupt the ambiance

Focuses on interrupting a pleasant or peaceful feeling.

shatter the mood

Implies a more forceful and negative disruption of the emotional state.

ruin the setting

Emphasizes a negative impact on the environment or surrounding.

destroy the feeling

Highlights the eradication of a particular emotion or sentiment.

disturb the peace

Points to interrupting tranquility or harmony.

interrupt the serenity

Highlights the interruption of a calm and peaceful state.

disrupt the vibe

A more informal way to describe altering the overall feeling or mood.

destroy the illusion

Implies revealing a truth that shatters a previously held belief or perception.

break the spell

Suggests interrupting a state of fascination or enchantment.

puncture the balloon

Figuratively describes ruining excitement or optimism.

FAQs

What does it mean to "break the atmosphere" in a figurative sense?

In a figurative sense, to "break the atmosphere" means to disrupt or change the prevailing mood or feeling in a situation. It implies an interruption of the existing emotional state, often with a noticeable impact.

What are some synonyms for "break the atmosphere" that I can use?

Alternatives to "break the atmosphere" include "disrupt the ambiance", "shatter the mood", or "disturb the peace", depending on the specific context and intended nuance.

How can I use "break the atmosphere" in a sentence?

You can use "break the atmosphere" in a sentence like: "The sudden announcement broke the atmosphere of anticipation" or "The argument broke the atmosphere of calm that had settled over the room."

Is it correct to use "break the atmosphere" when talking about entering outer space?

Yes, "break the atmosphere" can refer to a literal physical event, like a spacecraft leaving or entering a planet's atmosphere. In this context, it means to pass through the boundary of a celestial body's air envelope.