cut ties

USAGE SUMMARY

"cut ties" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the severing of a relationship, so it can be used in contexts such as breaking off a romantic relationship, ending a business partnership, or stopping communication with someone. For example: After all of the drama we've been through, I decided to cut ties with my ex-boyfriend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Scores have cut ties.

The Economist

So cut ties or butt out".

The New York Times

He eventually cut ties with Ferrari.

The New York Times

Some have cut ties to countries.

The New York Times

And Kele had not cut ties to the past.

The New York Times - Arts

Later, they would cut ties with land altogether.

The Guardian

By then, Makhlouf had cut ties with his bank.

The Guardian

You'll wonder why you ever cut ties with him.

The New Yorker

As for his girlfriend, he cut ties when his life took a positive turn.

The New York Times

When do we officially cut ties with one administration and begin blaming the new administration?

The New Yorker

"If we cut ties to Chile," he said, "we will return to eating pasture".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cut ties" when you want to emphasize a decisive and complete ending to a relationship or association. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being ended.

Common error

Avoid using "cut ties" when a temporary separation or a minor disagreement is more accurate. The phrase implies a permanent and significant ending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cut ties" functions as a verb phrase, typically used with a subject to indicate the action of ending a relationship or association. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to express a decisive termination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cut ties" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the ending of a relationship or association, as verified by Ludwig AI. It carries a neutral tone and is frequently used in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "sever relations" or "break off contact" exist, "cut ties" offers a straightforward and widely understood way to convey a decisive termination. Remember to use this phrase when emphasizing the finality of a separation and avoid it when describing temporary disagreements or minor issues. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its versatility in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sever relations

Emphasizes a formal and complete ending of a relationship.

terminate relationship

A more formal way of saying to end a relationship.

break off contact

Highlights the termination of communication.

end association

Focuses on terminating a connection or partnership.

discontinue communication

Stresses a complete stop to any form of communication.

cease interaction

Focuses on stopping any form of interaction.

dissolve partnership

Specifically refers to ending a business or formal partnership.

abandon connection

Implies leaving behind an established link.

walk away from

Emphasizes the act of leaving a situation or relationship.

detach oneself

Suggests a deliberate effort to become separate.

FAQs

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

You can use "cut ties" to describe ending a relationship, business partnership, or any other type of association. For instance, "After the scandal, the company decided to cut ties with the CEO."

What are some alternatives to "cut ties"?

Alternatives include "sever relations", "break off contact", or "end association", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "cut ties with" or "cut ties to"?

"Cut ties with" is the more common and generally preferred phrasing. "Cut ties to" can be used, but it's less frequent.

When is it appropriate to "cut ties" with someone?

It's appropriate to "cut ties" when a relationship becomes toxic, harmful, or no longer serves a positive purpose. This decision should be made carefully, considering the potential consequences.