enforced break

USAGE SUMMARY

"enforced break" is correct and usable in written English.
It describes an interruption of work or activities that happens due to external factors, such as a government ordinance or law. For example, "The mayor ordered an enforced break from all outdoor activities due to the coronavirus outbreak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

More hard work followed the enforced break.

The New York Times - Arts

"I don't think it was a disadvantage," Djokovic said of his enforced break.

The New York Times - Sports

An enforced break could perhaps help see an upturn in displays.

Independent

Dane DeHaan takes an enforced break at Celia Imrie's creepy spa (head doctor: Jason Isaacs).

The Guardian - Film

With your England hat on, you might say this enforced break is the best thing for his limbs".

Independent

During his enforced break, he went looking for a sympathetic general-manager to counter-balance Mr Arpe.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"ING is trying to present its enforced break-up as the next step of its back to basics strategy, but it is nothing of the sort," wrote analysts at CreditSights, a ratings firm.

The Economist

I am also not great at keeping all my devices fully charged -- so I have to admit to a few enforced breaks for recharging in a busy week.

The New York Times

While hosts such as Hancock and Deayton, or Mark Lamarr and Five's Jack Docherty, have taken self-inflicted or enforced breaks from broadcasting, Ross remained in the picture, ultimately earning his contentious salary of £6m from the BBC.

The Guardian

The association dubbed "the other NRA" for its lobbying muscle, with annual revenues of $71 million in 2013 had vigorously opposed policy that required employers to ensure that workers take rest and meal breaks rather than leaving it to the employees to push back against managers to enforce break provisions.

Huffington Post

Over the last few years, fights over immigration have become hyper-local, in part because Congress has failed to enact immigration reform, but also because the federal government itself has conscripted local police to enforce broken immigration laws.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about situations where individuals or entities have no choice but to pause activities, "enforced break" is a clear and concise term. Use it to emphasize the lack of volition.

Common error

Avoid using "enforced break" when the pause is voluntary or a reward. "Enforced" implies a lack of choice, so ensure the context reflects that the break was not optional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enforced break" functions as a noun phrase, where "enforced" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "break". This phrase typically describes a situation where a pause or interruption is not voluntary but is imposed by external factors. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Sport

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "enforced break" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term describing a mandatory pause or interruption. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in news and sports contexts, it signifies a break imposed by external factors, not by choice. Alternatives include "mandatory pause" and "required cessation". Remember to use it accurately to describe situations where volition is absent. This phrase is generally neutral and easily incorporated into professional and general contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mandatory pause

This alternative emphasizes the obligatory nature of the break.

involuntary pause

This directly expresses that the break is not chosen but compelled.

required cessation

This phrase uses more formal language to convey the idea of a necessary stop.

forced interval

This highlights the lack of choice in the break period.

compulsory intermission

Similar to "mandatory pause", this option highlights the enforced aspect of the interruption with slightly more formal diction.

imposed suspension

This suggests the break is not voluntary but is placed upon someone or something.

ordered recess

This alternative implies an official directive necessitating a break.

dictated respite

This suggests an external authority or situation necessitates the break for relief.

legislated downtime

The break is mandated by law or regulation. This phrase is suitable when the break is legally required.

sanctioned hiatus

This break carries an official approval or imposition, often due to specific circumstances.

FAQs

How is "enforced break" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "enforced break" is used to describe a situation where someone is required to take a pause or interruption, often due to circumstances beyond their control. For example, "The pandemic caused an enforced break in travel plans."

What are some alternatives to "enforced break"?

Alternatives include "mandatory pause", "required cessation", or "compulsory intermission", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "enforced break" formal or informal language?

"Enforced break" is generally considered neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it appears more frequently in news and media or professional settings.

What's the difference between "enforced break" and "self-imposed break"?

An "enforced break" is one that is required or dictated by external circumstances, while a "self-imposed break" is taken voluntarily. The key difference is the element of choice.