break the cycle of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break the cycle of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need to stop a repetitive pattern or behavior, often in contexts like social issues, personal habits, or systemic problems. Example: "We must work together to break the cycle of poverty in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This year was supposed to break the cycle of lateness.

The New York Times

They want to break the cycle of violence.

The New York Times - Magazine

But only rehabilitation can break the cycle of crime.

The Guardian - Opinion

He wanted to "break the cycle" of how he felt.

The Guardian

Can young voters break the cycle of polarization?

The Washington Post

He wants to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma.

The Guardian

Finally, Regina Jacobs would break the cycle of brilliant Olympic trials and unsatisfying Olympic Games.

The New York Times - Sports

The Israelis called the report a "positive and constructive effort to break the cycle of violence".

The New York Times

And we'll continue to work to break the cycle of violence.

The New York Times

They must break the cycle of mental illness, she decides; they must stop taking their medication.

The New York Times - Books

Collect fallen infected leaves and blossom to break the cycle of new spores in spring.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "break the cycle of", ensure you clearly define what cycle you're referring to in your writing for clarity. For instance, specify "break the cycle of poverty" or "break the cycle of violence."

Common error

Avoid using "break the cycle of" as a simplistic solution to deeply rooted problems without acknowledging the necessary systemic changes or multifaceted approaches required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break the cycle of" functions as a verbal phrase used to express the action of stopping or interrupting a recurring, often negative, pattern or sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break the cycle of" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies the interruption of a recurring pattern, typically one that is negative. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts. It's commonly found in news articles, business reports, and scientific publications, advocating for change and improvement across diverse areas like poverty, violence, and addiction. While alternatives such as ""end the cycle of"" and ""stop the cycle of"" exist, "break the cycle of" remains a powerful and widely recognized call to action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

end the cycle of

Focuses on bringing the cycle to a complete stop.

stop the cycle of

Emphasizes halting the continuation of the cycle.

put an end to the cycle of

Adds emphasis to the desire to terminate the cycle.

disrupt the cycle of

Highlights the act of interrupting the normal progression of the cycle.

halt the cycle of

Implies a more abrupt and forceful stop to the cycle.

reverse the cycle of

Indicates a change in the direction or progression of the cycle.

overcome the cycle of

Focuses on successfully dealing with and moving beyond the cycle.

eradicate the cycle of

Suggests complete and permanent removal of the cycle.

escape the cycle of

Highlights the act of freeing oneself from the cycle's constraints.

transform the cycle of

Suggests a fundamental change in the nature of the cycle.

FAQs

How can I use "break the cycle of" in a sentence?

You can use "break the cycle of" to express the need to stop a recurring, often negative, pattern. For example, "We need to "break the cycle of" poverty in our community".

What is a good alternative to "break the cycle of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "end the cycle of", "stop the cycle of", or "disrupt the cycle of", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

What does it mean to "break the cycle of" something?

To "break the cycle of" something means to interrupt a recurring pattern or sequence of events, typically one that is undesirable. It implies a conscious effort to change the course and prevent the pattern from continuing.

Which is correct, "break the cycle of poverty" or "end the cycle of poverty"?

Both "break the cycle of poverty" and "end the cycle of poverty" are correct and commonly used. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the act of disrupting the pattern or bringing it to a complete stop.