radical break

USAGE SUMMARY

"radical break" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a situation or event that marks a sudden change or alteration, such as: "The arrival of the new CEO marked a radical break from the company's old practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's not a "radical break".

The New York Times

"I can't make a radical break".

The New York Times

It's time for a radical break.

Harvard Business Review

Such a radical break can disorient employees, experts say.

The New York Times

But is this a radical break with the past?

The Economist

No radical break with the Obama years was on offer.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a radical break with legal tradition.

The New Yorker

That would be a radical break with the recent past.

The Guardian - Opinion

In other circumstances, however, the basic systems concept represents a more radical break with the past.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The rest of "Slipstream" doesn't make a radical break with Ms. Raitt's previous albums.

The New York Times - Arts

But it is the upstairs that suggests the most radical break with tradition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "radical break" to emphasize a stark contrast or departure from established norms or practices. It's particularly effective when describing deliberate shifts in strategy, policy, or ideology.

Common error

Avoid using "radical break" to describe minor adjustments or gradual changes. This phrase is most impactful when used to denote a significant and decisive shift, not incremental progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "radical break" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It denotes a significant departure from previous norms, traditions, or practices. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "radical break" is a frequently used noun phrase that signifies a substantial and decisive shift from established norms or practices. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and encyclopedias. It’s crucial to use this phrase when emphasizing a fundamental change, avoiding its application to minor or gradual adjustments. Alternatives such as "significant departure" or "major shift" can be used depending on the intended nuance. Its frequent occurrence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its validity and importance in conveying significant transformations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant departure

Focuses on the act of leaving or deviating from a norm or standard.

major shift

Emphasizes the change in direction or position, implying a substantial alteration.

fundamental change

Highlights the depth and importance of the alteration.

complete transformation

Stresses the thoroughness and extent of the change, suggesting a total overhaul.

revolutionary shift

Implies a sudden, dramatic, and far-reaching change.

sharp divergence

Indicates a clear and distinct deviation from a previous course or pattern.

distinct turning point

Highlights a specific moment that marks a significant change in direction or outcome.

watershed moment

Emphasizes the significance of the moment as a turning point with lasting consequences.

clean slate

Suggests starting fresh without any influence from the past.

sea change

Implies a substantial and widespread transformation, like a major shift in the ocean.

FAQs

How can I use "radical break" in a sentence?

You can use "radical break" to describe situations where there is a significant departure from the norm. For instance, "The new policy represents a "radical break" from previous regulations."

What are some alternatives to "radical break"?

Alternatives include "significant departure", "major shift", or "fundamental change", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "radical break" in formal writing?

Yes, "radical break" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you need to emphasize a sharp or decisive change. Its usage is widespread across reputable news and academic sources.

What's the difference between "radical break" and "significant change"?

"Radical break" implies a more abrupt and fundamental shift than "significant change". While both indicate alteration, "radical break" emphasizes a more decisive departure from what was before.