cut off ties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cut off ties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of severing relationships or connections with someone or something. Example: "After the betrayal, she decided to cut off ties with her former friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Yeltsin truly decided to cut off ties with the Party.

The New Yorker

But the two sides have not completely cut off ties.

The New York Times

When they don't like something we do, they cut off ties.

The New York Times

In 2009 he cut off ties to the Louvre over the issue.

The New York Times - Arts

Ulbricht had family back in Austin, but housemates said he had cut off ties with friends.

The Guardian - Tech

But this is the first time Turkey has explicitly threatened to cut off ties completely.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

She cuts off ties with him, and in her absence, Keith loses his resolve to be free of his father and drifts back to the dreadful man's dubious protection.

Columbia University

President Hugo Chávez said in a speech to supporters that he would shut Venezuela's refineries in the United States if Washington cuts off ties with the South American nation or attempts to invade the country.

The New York Times

With most of the criminal underworld now believing that she is dead, Oracle cuts off ties with all but a select few Gotham heroes, and is shown refusing to help Blue Beetle, Manhunter, and Booster Gold when they attempt to call her for assistance during battle.

Wikipedia

Cut off the top tie.

WikiHow

Myanmar cut off diplomatic ties with North Korea after the attack but restored them in 2007.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a situation where someone is reducing but not entirely eliminating contact, consider using softer phrases like "distance themselves" or "limit communication" instead of "cut off ties".

Common error

Avoid using "cut off ties" for temporary disagreements or minor conflicts. This phrase implies a permanent decision, so reserve it for situations where the separation is intended to be long-lasting or irreversible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cut off ties" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of ending a relationship or connection. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, indicating its accepted grammatical status. Examples show it used in various contexts, from personal relationships to international relations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cut off ties" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of ending a relationship or connection. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples show its application across various contexts, including personal relationships, international relations, and business dealings. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations where a deliberate and often permanent severing of a relationship is intended. For temporary disagreements or less drastic situations, consider using alternative phrases like "reduced contact" or "distanced themselves".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sever connections

Focuses on the act of breaking connections, often implying a formal or definitive action.

break relations

Emphasizes the ending of a formal relationship, often between groups or countries.

end association

Highlights the termination of an association or affiliation with someone or something.

discontinue contact

Refers to ceasing communication or interaction with someone.

terminate relationship

Implies a formal and decisive end to a relationship.

dissolve links

Suggests the unraveling or breaking apart of existing links or bonds.

rupture relations

Indicates a sudden and often acrimonious breaking of relations.

abandon association

Suggests a complete and often permanent abandonment of a previous association.

forsake connections

Implies a deliberate and often emotional abandonment of connections.

disown relations

Highlights a formal and often public rejection of family or other relations.

FAQs

How can I use "cut off ties" in a sentence?

You can use "cut off ties" to describe severing a relationship or connection. For example: "After the argument, she decided to "cut off ties" with her former friend".

What are some alternatives to "cut off ties"?

Some alternatives include "sever connections", "break relations", or "end association", depending on the specific context.

Is it too strong to say "cut off ties"?

The phrase "cut off ties" can be strong, as it implies a complete severing of a relationship. Consider the context and whether a less drastic phrase like "reduced contact" or "distanced themselves" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "cut off ties" and "go no contact"?

"Cut off ties" generally means ending a relationship. "Go no contact" often refers to a specific strategy, especially in cases of abuse or harassment, where all forms of communication are blocked to protect oneself.