break the mold

USAGE SUMMARY

"break the mold" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the idea of doing something differently or trying something new, outside of the established norms. For example: "INNOVATE Inc. strives to break the mold by introducing new technologies and strategies to the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The desserts break the mold.

The New York Times - Arts

We wanted to break the mold.

The New York Times

It couldn't hurt to break the mold.

The New Yorker

But Mrs. Herrera said she wanted to break the mold.

The New York Times

"We wanted to break the mold," Mr. Wolff said.

The New York Times

Meaning: throw away the formula, break the mold, be surprising.

The New York Times

They break the mold; try men's patience; try women's patience.

The New Yorker

We really break the mold of gay guys, huh?

The New York Times

"We're trying to break the mold," Mr. Amato said.

The New York Times

The $25 million prototype in Gateshead might break the mold.

The New York Times - Magazine

Maybe it's time to break the mold altogether.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "break the mold" when you want to emphasize a departure from established norms, traditions, or expectations. It's particularly effective when describing innovation, creativity, or a significant change in approach.

Common error

While "break the mold" is a vivid idiom, avoid using it excessively. Overusing any idiom can diminish its impact and make your writing sound cliché. Consider using synonyms or more direct language for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break the mold" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showcasing examples where it signifies a departure from established norms. The phrase actively introduces a new concept and describes a new state or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break the mold" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to describe actions or ideas that depart from established norms or conventions. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and applicable across various contexts, including news, academia, and business. While highly effective for emphasizing innovation and change, it's important to avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "defy convention", "challenge the status quo", and "think outside the box" can provide variety. When employing this phrase, consider the formality of your writing and adjust accordingly to best suit your audience and message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defy convention

Focuses on actively opposing established norms rather than simply being different.

challenge the status quo

Highlights the act of questioning and attempting to change existing conditions.

think outside the box

Emphasizes creative and unconventional thinking to solve problems or generate ideas.

pioneer a new path

Suggests leading the way in an unexplored direction, often with innovative methods.

transcend limitations

Implies overcoming existing restrictions or boundaries to achieve something greater.

revolutionize the approach

Conveys a complete and fundamental change in how something is done.

redefine expectations

Focuses on altering the standards or beliefs about what is considered normal or acceptable.

set a new precedent

Implies establishing an example or standard that will be followed in the future.

forge a unique identity

Highlights the creation of a distinct and individual character or brand.

innovate beyond tradition

Focuses on creating new methods and ideas while acknowledging existing practices.

FAQs

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

You can use "break the mold" to describe someone or something that departs from traditional patterns or defies convention. For example, "Her innovative approach to marketing really broke the mold".

What does it mean to "break the mold"?

To "break the mold" means to do something in a completely new and different way, challenging established norms and traditions. It suggests innovation and originality.

What are some synonyms for "break the mold"?

Alternatives to "break the mold" include "defy convention", "challenge the status quo", and "think outside the box".

Is "break the mold" appropriate for formal writing?

While "break the mold" is widely understood, it may be too informal for highly academic or formal writing. In such contexts, consider using more direct and neutral language, such as "innovate beyond tradition".