broke free

USAGE SUMMARY

"broke free" is a correct and usable phrase in written English and it can be used in the present tense, past tense and past participle tenses.
Example: The caged bird finally broke free and soared into the sky.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Farai broke free.

The New York Times - Magazine

Eight of them broke free.

The New Yorker

Farrell then broke free.

The Guardian - Sport

Harvey broke free of that convention.

The New Yorker

Tyler broke free and started running.

The New York Times

The goal broke free of that role.

The New York Times - Sports

The detective broke free of the men.

The New York Times

They broke free early the next day.

The Guardian

(On "Control," she broke free of family; on "Rhythm Nation 1814," she broke free of injustice).

The New York Times - Arts

To move forward, the project broke free of national boundaries.

The New York Times

When Tebow broke free for a long run, Sanchez reciprocated.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broke free" to describe a sudden release from physical restraint, oppressive conditions, or restrictive rules. It conveys a sense of liberation or escape.

Common error

Avoid using "broke free" in vague or abstract contexts where the subject isn't clearly escaping something tangible or well-defined. Ensure that the escape has a clear and understandable reference point.

Linguistic Context

Broke free functions as a verb phrase, specifically a phrasal verb, indicating the action of escaping or liberating oneself from a constraint, whether physical or metaphorical. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in various contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broke free" is a versatile verb phrase indicating escape or liberation, supported by numerous examples across various sources. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register and conveys a sense of release. While interchangeable with alternatives like "escaped" and "liberated themselves", "broke free" often implies a more forceful or sudden action. When using this phrase, ensure the subject of escape is clear and understandable to avoid ambiguity. The prevalence and consistent application of "broke free" in reputable sources underscore its reliability for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

escaped

Direct synonym emphasizing the act of getting away from confinement or restraint.

got away

Informal alternative, focusing on the successful evasion of capture or confinement.

freed themselves

Highlights the action of making oneself free from constraints or captivity.

liberated themselves

Emphasizes self-agency in achieving freedom, often from oppressive situations.

slipped away

Suggests a subtle or unnoticed escape.

wriggled out

Implies a struggle or difficulty in achieving escape, often from a tight spot.

shook off

Indicates the forceful removal of something restrictive or unwanted.

became independent

Focuses on achieving autonomy, often in a political or organizational context.

unchained themselves

Figurative, emphasizing the removal of restraints and limitations.

rebelled

Implies an act of defiance against authority or control, leading to freedom.

FAQs

How can I use "broke free" in a sentence?

You can use "broke free" to describe an escape from physical restraint, as in "The prisoner "broke free" from his chains", or from a restrictive situation, such as "The company "broke free" from its old business model".

What can I say instead of "broke free"?

You can use alternatives like "escaped", "liberated themselves", or "became independent" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "broke free" or "break free"?

"Broke free" is the past tense form, used to describe an action that has already happened. "Break free" is the base form, used in the present tense or in infinitives, as in "They want to "break free" from the old regime".

What's the difference between "broke free" and "escaped"?

While both "broke free" and "escaped" imply getting away from confinement, "broke free" often suggests a more forceful or sudden action. "Escaped" can be more general, implying any form of successful evasion.