it was a break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a break" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a pause or interruption in an activity or situation, often indicating a moment of rest or a change in pace. Example: "After working for hours, I decided it was a break well needed to recharge my energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Yes, it was a break in routine.

The New Yorker

Obviously, it was a break.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a break for us," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a break that went our way".

The New York Times - Sports

For my parents, it was a break from work.

The New York Times - Travel

The war was not a continuation of Southern history; it was a break in it.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

"It was a break-loose time," Mr. Wiley said fondly.

The New York Times - Arts

Knight says she didn't believe it was the police battering down the door – she thought it was a break-in.

The Guardian

I think it was a broken window.

The Guardian

It was a break-up with Fielder-Civil that inspired much of Back To Black.

BBC

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal on Wayne Rooney's red card: "It was a break-out of a set-play of ours and he makes a professional foul I think you can call it like that.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was a break" to describe a fortunate occurrence or a welcome change in circumstances. For instance, "The rain stopped; it was a break for the farmers."

Common error

Avoid using "it was a break" when you mean a physical fracture or separation. Instead, use "it was broken" or "it fractured" to describe physical damage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a break" functions as a declarative statement, often serving to describe a fortunate turn of events or a welcome respite. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show it used to highlight deviations from routine, positive opportunities, or moments of relief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was a break" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a fortunate opportunity, a welcome pause, or a deviation from routine. Ludwig AI analysis highlights its broad applicability, though care should be taken not to confuse it with terms describing physical damage, like "it was broken". The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, sports reporting, and business contexts, and its meaning is generally neutral.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it allowed for a pause

Specifically indicates a temporary cessation of activity.

it gave us a breather

Implies a moment of rest or relaxation.

it offered a respite

Highlights the aspect of temporary relief from something difficult or unpleasant.

it presented an advantage

Focuses on the beneficial aspect of the situation.

it provided an opportunity

Focuses on the advantageous aspect, emphasizing the chance or possibility that arose.

it constituted a reprieve

Implies a temporary suspension of a negative situation.

it represented a turning point

Emphasizes a significant shift or change in direction.

it interrupted the routine

Emphasizes the disruption of a normal or established pattern.

it marked a departure

Stresses the act of moving away from a previous state or condition.

it was a stroke of luck

Highlights the element of chance or good fortune.

FAQs

How can I use "it was a break" in a sentence?

Use "it was a break" to indicate a fortunate event, a pause in activity, or a deviation from routine. For example: "The team finally scored; "it was a break" they desperately needed."

What are some alternatives to "it was a break"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "it was a pause", "it was a reprieve", or "it was a stroke of luck".

Is "it was a break" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was a break" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure and is commonly used in various contexts.

What's the difference between "it was a break" and "it was broken"?

"It was a break" typically refers to a pause, advantage, or change, while "it was broken" indicates a state of being damaged or fractured.