break the contract

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break the contract" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of violating or not adhering to the terms of a contract. Example: "If you fail to deliver the goods on time, you may be forced to break the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

If they break the contract the deal is off".

Independent

I asked what it would cost to break the contract.

The New York Times

And for this column, I am assuming that the only goal is to break the contract.

The New York Times

Connecticut Light and Power understood that it would have to pay to break the contract.

The New York Times

But after a protracted legal fight, New York State's highest court ruled that she could not break the contract.

The New York Times - Arts

Federal policy makers and A.I.G.'s legal advisers argued that it would be illegal to break the contract.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"Allowing annuitants to break the contracts means breaking the 'generational agreement' that has shaped the pension industry for years.

The Guardian - Money

"And until you can break the contracts, your hands are tied".

The New York Times

The bluntest remedy would be to break the contracts entirely; another, to force contracts to be rewritten and losses reduced.

The Economist

He could try to use executive power to break the contracts; but that would tie him in legal knots and might undermine confidence in the rule of law.

The Economist

"She broke the contract?" Davis said into the phone.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, consider using "breach the contract" for a more formal tone. In general conversations, "break the contract" is perfectly acceptable.

Common error

While "break" is commonly used, be aware that in formal legal contexts, "breach" is the more precise and preferred term. Avoid using "break" in legal documents or when aiming for a highly professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break the contract" functions primarily as a verb phrase. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes the action of violating the terms of a legally binding agreement. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts where contractual obligations are not met.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break the contract" is a common and generally acceptable way to describe the violation of a contractual agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. While "breach the contract" is a more formal alternative, "break the contract" is suitable for most contexts, particularly in news, media, and everyday conversations. Understanding the nuances between these alternatives can enhance the precision and clarity of your writing. It's crucial to understand the potential consequences and legal implications associated with this expression, and in formal contexts, consider using the term "breach the contract" for greater accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

breach the contract

This alternative is a more formal and legalistic way to express the same concept.

violate the contract

This alternative suggests a more serious and deliberate act of non-compliance.

terminate the contract

This alternative implies a formal ending to the contractual agreement.

cancel the contract

This alternative focuses on the act of nullifying the agreement.

renege on the contract

This alternative emphasizes a backing out or failure to honor the agreement.

invalidate the contract

This alternative refers to making the contract legally void or ineffective.

nullify the contract

Similar to invalidate, this suggests rendering the contract without legal force.

repudiate the contract

This alternative implies a formal rejection of the contract and its obligations.

default on the contract

This alternative focuses on the failure to meet the obligations specified in the contract.

disavow the contract

This alternative indicates a denial of responsibility or association with the contract.

FAQs

What does "break the contract" mean?

The phrase "break the contract" means to violate or fail to adhere to the terms and conditions outlined in a legally binding agreement.

What are some alternatives to "break the contract"?

You can use alternatives like "breach the contract", "violate the contract", or "terminate the contract", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

What is the difference between "break the contract" and "breach the contract"?

While both phrases have similar meanings, "breach the contract" is generally considered a more formal and legal term. "Break the contract" is acceptable in everyday language.

What are the consequences of breaking a contract?

The consequences of breaking a contract can include legal action, financial penalties, and damage to one's reputation. The specific consequences depend on the terms of the contract and applicable laws.