break the connection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break the connection" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the ending or disconnection of a relationship, bond, affiliation, or association. Example: After a long and difficult conversation, the couple decided to break the connection and end their relationship.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Titles break the connection between the music and the listener.

The New York Times - Arts

As you've probably experienced, it can break the connection, stall a conversation, and make you feel unheard.

University of California, Berkeley

Both Sleepio and SHUTi coach you to break the connection between being awake and being in bed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Clearly it is possible to break the connection between economic growth and unemployment; we just need the right economic policies.

The Guardian - Business

Managed natural systems, such as constructed wetlands or reservoirs, can break the connection and make the idea of recycling wastewater more palatable.

University of California, Berkeley

"By installing low-cost controllers in every fixture, we break the connection between how lighting is wired for power and how it is controlled," Huizenga said.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"It was laws like this that tried to break the connections of our people to country and the rituals that are the foundations of our religious beliefs and language".

The Guardian

In an era that a vital BBC1 doc proclaimed The Age Of Loneliness, when streaming's little silos might break the connections that our love for First Dates suggests we still yearn for, we still came together for cracking drama.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

On average, a randomly selected FFL instance breaks the connection between less than 1% of all connected pairs of genes, which is lower than for instances of the pattern ID = 12.

BMC Systems Biology

And then, in my grief, I broke the connection.

The New Yorker

I just pressed my thumb to the off switch and broke the connection.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In interpersonal contexts, consider the emotional impact of using the phrase "break the connection", as it can sound abrupt or harsh. Use more gentle phrasing if appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "break the connection" when you actually mean to weaken or temporarily interrupt it. "Break" implies a permanent or near-permanent end, so use terms like "weaken", "disrupt", or "suspend" if the connection is not entirely severed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break the connection" functions primarily as a verb phrase used to describe the act of severing or disrupting a link, relationship, or association. It indicates a decisive action that ends or interrupts an existing bond, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

23%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "break the connection" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe severing or disrupting a link, relationship, or association. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent use across diverse fields, including news, academia, science, and more informal contexts. While its meaning is typically straightforward, it's wise to consider the emotional weight and scope when opting for the phrase. Understanding its alternatives, like "sever the tie" or "disrupt the link", can help ensure that your message hits the right note. Overall, "break the connection" is a clear and common way to express the termination or interruption of a bond.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sever the tie

Emphasizes a formal or decisive ending to a bond or relationship.

disrupt the link

Highlights the interruption or disturbance of a connection.

cut off communication

Specifically refers to stopping the flow of information between parties.

end the relationship

Directly indicates the termination of a personal or professional connection.

terminate the bond

Suggests a complete and formal ending of an agreement or alliance.

dissolve the association

Implies a gradual ending or fading away of a connection.

halt the interaction

Focuses on stopping ongoing exchanges or activities.

rupture the alliance

Indicates a sudden and forceful break in a partnership.

suspend contact

Suggests a temporary cessation of communication or interaction.

discontinue relations

Formally announces the ending of diplomatic or personal ties.

FAQs

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

You can use "break the connection" to describe ending a relationship, disrupting a link, or severing a communication. For example: "After the argument, they decided to "end the relationship" and "break the connection"".

What's a less harsh way to say "break the connection"?

Instead of "break the connection", consider using phrases like "suspend contact", "disrupt the link", or "discontinue relations", depending on the context. These options can soften the impact of the message.

Is it correct to say "break the connections"?

Yes, "break the connections" is also correct, particularly when referring to multiple links or relationships being severed. The singular "connection" refers to a single link.

What is the difference between "break the connection" and "weaken the connection"?

"Break the connection" implies a complete or near-complete severing of ties. "Weaken the connection", on the other hand, suggests that the relationship or link is still present but less strong or effective.