break the branch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break the branch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of snapping or causing a branch of a tree or plant to separate from its main structure. Example: "While hiking, I accidentally stepped on a dry twig and heard it break the branch above me."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Alternative strategies for a reliable root placement employ the inclusion of multiple outgroup taxa to break the branch separating the ingroup from the outgroup, and the use of a comprehensive set of proteins [ 64].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Cut, or break the branch.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Anvil shears, however, actually crush and break the branches rather than cutting through them.

The New York Times

Backed by beautifully arranged strings and a guitar, she sings, "Oh, the werewolf come stepping along / he don't even break the branches / where he has gone... / and the werewolf was crying... / how I loved the man / as I teared off his clothes".

The New Yorker

In North America various species of blackbirds (family Icteridae) are serious pests in grainfields; in Africa a grain-eating finch, the red-billed quelea (Quelea quelea), occurs like locusts, in plague proportions so numerous that alighting flocks may break the branches of trees.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Usually nests are used for under five years or so, as they either collapse in storms or break the branches supporting them by their sheer weight.

Wikipedia

Robert breaks the branch and the spell it has created, and is taken into custody by Isabelle's attendants.

Wikipedia

Alternatively, if Coelomata was the result of LBA, we would expect that it should not be recovered if a targeted sampling strategy was adopted to break the long branch connecting the distant (in our case fungal) outgroup and the Bilateria.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Unfortunately, no other closely related species is known that could help to break the long branches.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Addition of sunbittern to break-up the kagu long edge, and a crane, or another rail to break the takahe long-branch should solve this problem.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

So the radical dream is not just to break off the branch of police violence but to uproot the entire tree".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "break the branch" in scientific writing, ensure the context clearly defines whether you mean a physical branch or a metaphorical branch, for instance, in evolutionary biology.

Common error

Avoid using "break the branch" in contexts where a more nuanced term like "disrupt" or "separate" would be more appropriate. Overusing literal interpretations can make your writing sound simplistic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break the branch" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where 'break' acts as a transitive verb and 'the branch' serves as the direct object. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "break the branch" is grammatically sound and primarily used to describe the action of physically snapping a branch. However, it can also be employed metaphorically to denote disruption or severance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While its occurrence is relatively uncommon, it appears across varied contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific literature. When using the phrase, consider the intended context to ensure it clearly conveys either the literal or figurative meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

snap the twig

Focuses on a smaller part of the plant being broken.

fracture the limb

Uses a more formal word and refers to a larger part of the tree.

sever the connection

Emphasizes the act of cutting off a connection.

detach the component

Highlights the separation of a part from a whole.

disrupt the lineage

Implies a break in a sequence or heritage.

interrupt the flow

Highlights stopping a continuous movement or progression.

collapse the structure

Indicates a breakdown of a constructed entity.

shatter the fragment

Suggests breaking something into many pieces.

uproot the stem

Implies a complete removal of a plant part.

separate the part

General term for causing something to become distinct.

FAQs

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

You can use "break the branch" to describe the action of physically snapping a branch, as in, "The wind was strong enough to break the branch". It can also be used metaphorically to indicate a disruption or division.

What are some alternative ways to say "break the branch"?

Alternatives include "snap the branch", "fracture the branch", or "sever the branch", depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it correct to use "break off the branch" instead of "break the branch"?

Both "break the branch" and "break off the branch" are grammatically correct. "Break off the branch" emphasizes the action of separating the branch completely from the tree.

Can "break the branch" be used in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, "break the branch" can be used metaphorically. For example, it might refer to disrupting a family lineage or breaking a connection. However, ensure the context makes this metaphorical meaning clear.