breaking off communication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breaking off communication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of ceasing to communicate with someone, often in a personal or professional context. Example: "After the argument, she decided it was best to break off communication with him for a while."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Two patients (both men, 33 and 44) committed suicide after breaking off communication (after requesting euthanasia), and one (woman, 55) committed suicide after staying in a psychiatric ward to which she had been referred.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Palestinian leadership has broken off communication with the White House, leaving the peace process at its lowest ebb in years.

The Guardian

In Damascus, Syrian officials say the United States has broken off communication with the country, withdrawing its ambassador and not responding to Syrian concerns.

The New York Times

Bogle declared that the story was misguided but he didn't break off communication.

Forbes

My father's wife - his widow - has broken off communication completely, refusing to answer calls or emails, even about the death of another family member, whom I loved dearly.

Huffington Post

If at any point you do not feel comfortable, break off communication.

WikiHow

Stansfield's review is not without criticism, conveying disappointment with the plot twist conclusion and also questioning a minor plot hole: why Symphony Angel discards her helmet after crash-landing, thereby breaking off radio communication with Cloudbase.

Wikipedia

Some were breaking off.

The New York Times

Fins breaking off.

WikiHow

Schapiro broke off his communication with Sedlmayr in the mid-1930s due to his increasing anti-Semitism.

Columbia University

He has now broken off all communication with the producers, who include Greig, and the director John Crowley.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "breaking off communication" when you want to emphasize a deliberate decision to end communication, often due to conflict or disagreement. Be aware that this phrase carries a stronger connotation than simply "stopping communication".

Common error

Avoid using "breaking off communication" when you intend to convey a temporary pause in contact. Use phrases like "suspending communication" or "pausing contact" to indicate a temporary cessation, as "breaking off" implies a more permanent decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breaking off communication" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the cessation of interaction. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts ranging from personal relationships to international relations, signifying a deliberate end to contact. Ludwig AI confirms it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "breaking off communication" denotes a deliberate end to interaction, often due to conflict or disagreement. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. While it can be used in diverse settings, from personal relationships to international affairs, it's important to consider the implication of finality. Alternatives like "ceasing contact" or "terminating communication" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The frequency of this phrase is uncommon, suggesting it's not an everyday expression but certainly well-recognized and understood. Always ensure the context warrants the strength of this phrase before using it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ceasing contact

Focuses on stopping all forms of contact, not just communication.

cutting off contact

Emphasizes a complete and often abrupt end to contact.

breaking contact

Similar to ceasing contact, but might imply a more forceful action.

terminating communication

More formal and often used in professional settings.

halting communication

Suggests a temporary stop to communication.

suspending communication

Implies a planned resumption of communication at a later time.

discontinuing communication

Similar to terminating, but can also mean a gradual cessation.

ending dialogue

Focuses specifically on ending a conversation or exchange.

stopping correspondence

Specifically refers to ending written communication.

severing ties

Broader term implying the end of a relationship, which includes communication.

FAQs

What does "breaking off communication" mean?

It means to deliberately end or cease all forms of communication with someone, typically due to a disagreement, conflict, or decision to end a relationship.

What can I say instead of "breaking off communication"?

You can use alternatives like "ceasing contact", "cutting off contact", or "terminating communication" depending on the context.

Is "breaking off communication" the same as "taking a break from communication"?

No, "breaking off communication" implies a more permanent end to communication, while "taking a break from communication" suggests a temporary pause.

When is it appropriate to use "breaking off communication"?

It's appropriate when describing a conscious decision to permanently or indefinitely stop all communication with someone, often in response to negative circumstances. For example: "After the argument, she decided it was best to break off communication with him".