has been broken off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been broken off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been detached or separated from a larger object or structure, often referring to physical items or parts. Example: "The handle of the door has been broken off, making it difficult to open."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Her engagement to Joffrey has been broken off much to her delight but she's not safe yet and hopes to escape the city.

Independent

The little mermaid has been decapitated twice, the last time in 1998; an arm has been broken off, though later recovered; she has been spattered with paint and dressed in Muslim garb, including a burqa.

The New York Times

On Oct. 19, a senior U.S. State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Washington, too, was employing "a management strategy," engaging North Korea in bilateral talks because "sometimes when engagement has been broken off, it causes them to lash out in dangerous and unsettling ways".

The New York Times

In the one case, Habakkuk 2 7, there is a gap of two lines, where the bottom of the manuscript has been broken off, and it is the translator who has filled this in with "He [the Wicked Priest] persecuted the Teacher of Righteousness".

The New Yorker

One idea, proposed in 1810 by German explorer Albert von Sack (see here), is that when a sloth hugs a tree with its dorsal spot facing outwards, "it looks then exactly like a piece of branch where the rest has been broken off, by which the hunters are often deceived".

The Guardian

But documents obtained by The New York Times show that since at least Wednesday, Smile Train has been preparing for an announcement that the merger has been broken off.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

All summer long, Mr. McGreevey has been breaking off one interest group after another and putting them in his column: Abortion-rights advocates.

The New York Times

Some of these have been broken off in chunks, one almost back to the wood framing.

The New York Times

The pads are only reddened by winter, and some already have roots, having been broken off by lawn mowing and the like.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The shell had been broken off, with a teaspoon he supposed, it was pure curd white and still warm.

The Guardian - Books

They had been broken off only last Thursday, when another trio, reportedly including Mr Entezam, held a working session with the embattled ruler.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the subject of the sentence clearly identifies what was broken off. For instance, instead of "It has been broken off", specify "The branch has been broken off".

Common error

Avoid using "has been broken off" to describe abstract concepts like relationships or agreements unless you intend to convey a sense of abrupt, forceful termination. Phrases like "has been terminated" or "has been dissolved" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been broken off" functions primarily as a passive verb construction. It describes a state where something has been forcibly detached or separated from a larger entity. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which showcase its use in describing physical damage or severed connections.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been broken off" is a passive construction indicating a forceful separation or detachment. Grammatically correct and deemed usable by Ludwig, it commonly appears in news, wiki and scientific contexts. While versatile, "has been broken off" is most effective when describing concrete objects or relationships that experience a clear, often abrupt termination. To enhance clarity, specify what exactly has been broken off and consider more nuanced alternatives like "has been severed" or "has fallen off" for various separation scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been severed

Focuses on a clean or forceful separation, similar to breaking but implies a cutting action.

has been detached

Indicates a separation, often without force, focusing on physical disconnection.

has been disconnected

Implies a severing of a connection, either physical or metaphorical, like a relationship or service.

has been terminated

Refers to a formal ending or cancellation, often used for agreements or relationships.

has been disrupted

Emphasizes an interruption or disturbance, rather than a complete separation.

has been ended

Indicates a conclusion or finish, applicable to processes, relationships or events.

has come apart

Suggests a disintegration or separation into pieces, often due to wear or stress.

has fallen off

Implies a spontaneous separation, typically due to a lack of support or adhesion.

has been discontinued

Focuses on cessation of production or service, rather than a physical break.

has been suspended

Indicates a temporary halt or interruption, with the potential for resumption.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "has been broken off" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "has been severed", "has been detached", or "has been disjointed", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "has been broken off" for non-physical objects?

While generally used for physical objects, "has been broken off" can metaphorically describe the abrupt end of something. However, for abstract concepts, alternatives like "has been terminated" or "has been discontinued" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "has been broken off" and "has fallen off"?

"Has been broken off" implies a forceful separation, while "has fallen off" suggests a spontaneous separation due to a lack of support or adhesion. The former indicates damage or force, the latter, a natural detachment.

How to use "has been broken off" in a sentence?

You can use "has been broken off" in sentences like: "The branch of the tree has been broken off during the storm" or "Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been broken off".