broke off

USAGE SUMMARY

"broke off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone suddenly stopped speaking or abruptly ended an activity. For example, "The speaker suddenly broke off in the middle of their sentence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

The connection broke off.

The New Yorker

Scheherazade broke off her story.

The New Yorker

Steel posts broke off.

The New Yorker

Voting broke off frequently.

The New York Times

Then communications broke off.

The New York Times

Georgia then broke off with Maya.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

I must break off!

The New Yorker

Mugger's skull breaks off.

The New Yorker

There the poem breaks off.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She breaks off: JUNG waits.

The New York Times

The archbishop breaks off.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "broke off", ensure the context clearly indicates what was terminated or separated. For instance, specify whether it was a conversation, relationship, or physical object.

Common error

Avoid using "broke off" interchangeably with similar terms like "ended" without considering the specific connotation of suddenness or abruptness. "Broke off" often implies a more immediate or unexpected cessation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broke off" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating a sudden or abrupt termination of an action, relationship, or physical connection. Ludwig AI provides examples that show how this verb is used in various contexts, such as ending negotiations or physical separation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

20%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broke off" is a versatile phrasal verb indicating a sudden cessation or termination, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it can be used to describe the end of a conversation, relationship, or physical object, its nuance implies a more abrupt or immediate stop than alternatives like "ended". When writing, ensure that the context aligns with this connotation. For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "terminated" or "discontinued". While "broke off" maintains a neutral register, it is more suitable for general discussions and news reports than highly formal or scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ended

This alternative indicates a definitive conclusion or termination, emphasizing the finality of an event or relationship.

terminated

Similar to 'ended' but conveys a more formal or official sense of conclusion, often used in contexts like contracts or negotiations.

discontinued

This implies an interruption or cessation of something ongoing, like a service or communication.

ceased

A more formal way of saying 'stopped', often used in literary or historical contexts to denote the end of something.

halted

This suggests a sudden or abrupt stop, often due to an obstacle or interruption.

suspended

This implies a temporary cessation, with the expectation that the activity may resume in the future.

ruptured

Indicates a sudden and forceful breaking or tearing apart, often used in physical or metaphorical senses.

severed

This implies a complete and decisive cut or separation, often used in the context of relationships or connections.

dismembered

Suggests a violent or forceful separation into parts, often used in a literal or figurative context of breaking something into pieces.

fractured

Indicates a break or crack, often in a physical object or a social structure, implying damage and separation.

FAQs

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

You can use "broke off" to describe the sudden termination of something, such as "The negotiations "broke off" after disagreements" or "She "broke off" the conversation abruptly".

What's a more formal alternative to "broke off"?

More formal alternatives to "broke off" include "terminated", "discontinued", or "ceased". The best choice depends on the specific context in which you're using the phrase.

Is it correct to say "break off" instead of "broke off"?

"Break off" is the present tense form, while "broke off" is the past tense. Use "broke off" when referring to something that happened in the past, and "break off" for present or future actions, such as "They might "break off" negotiations tomorrow".

What's the difference between "broke off" and "broken off"?

"Broke off" is the simple past tense, while "broken off" is the past participle, typically used with auxiliary verbs like "have" or "be". For example, "The branch had "broken off" during the storm" uses the past participle.