could make a break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could make a break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of escaping or making a significant change in a situation. Example: "If the opportunity arises, we could make a break for it and leave this place behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I wish I had the opportunity to play, and I could make a break for myself".

The New York Times

I took her forearm so we could make a break for it.

The Guardian

"I'm on it," I said, gliding off before anybody could make a break for the door.

The New York Times

All he needs to do is manoeuvre himself into a position from which he could make a break if he wanted.

The Economist

Chanted slogans for a bit to look like we were protesters and gradually moved to a section from where we could make a break to the bus stand.

TechCrunch

Or he could make a break.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Congress could make a clean break by reviving a 19th-century tradition for dealing with failing railroads: liquidation of assets.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was our last hope, the person people really believed could make a real break from the past".

The New York Times

Airbus maintained it had warned several times on the possibility that forcefully applying the rudder in alternating directions could make a plane break up in flight, including in its submission to the Safety Board on the Flight 903 investigation.

The New York Times

The UK could make a clean break with the EU, relying on its membership of the World Trade Organisation as a basis for trade.

BBC

The part about his mom adopting his ex was true, but he also didn't want to be seen so he could make a clean break.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could make a break" to suggest a possibility of escaping a difficult situation or creating a new opportunity, especially when the outcome is uncertain but potentially beneficial.

Common error

Avoid using "could make a break" when the action requires significant effort or planning. It is more suitable for situations where a quick decision or opportune moment can lead to a significant change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could make a break" functions as a verb phrase expressing the potential or possibility of initiating a significant change or escape. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct usage in contexts suggesting opportunity creation or decisive action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could make a break" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that suggests the possibility of initiating a significant change or escape. Ludwig AI confirms that it is often used to express hope or a plan for improvement. With its neutral register, the phrase is versatile and suitable for various contexts. The primary contexts where this phrase appears are in the News & Media, supported by examples from authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could seize an opportunity

Focuses more on actively taking advantage of a chance.

could create an opening

Emphasizes the act of generating a favorable circumstance.

could develop a chance

Implies the gradual creation of an opportunity over time.

could find a way out

Specifically suggests escaping from a difficult situation.

could establish a foothold

Focuses on gaining an initial, stable position in a new area.

could carve a niche

Implies creating a unique and specific position for oneself.

could secure an advantage

Emphasizes obtaining a beneficial position over others.

could engineer a change

Suggests a deliberate and strategic effort to alter circumstances.

could initiate a departure

Highlights the action of starting the process of leaving.

could force an exit

Focuses on compelling a departure from a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "could make a break" in a sentence?

You can use "could make a break" to indicate a potential opportunity for escape or advancement. For example: "If the opportunity arises, we could make a break for it."

What does "could make a break" mean?

The phrase "could make a break" means to create an opportunity, to escape, or to change one's situation significantly. It implies a potential for a new beginning or a way out of a current predicament.

What can I say instead of "could make a break"?

You could use alternatives like "could seize an opportunity", "could escape", or "could find a way out" depending on the context.

Is "could make a break" formal or informal?

"Could make a break" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in various contexts, from news articles to casual conversations.