sever connections with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sever connections with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of cutting off ties or relationships with someone or something. Example: "After much consideration, she decided to sever connections with her former business partner due to ongoing disagreements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Lowe added that the company's membership expired and it decided to sever connections with ALEC several months ago.

Vice

Sources inside the firm suggest that there was a spirited discussion among the partners about whether to sever connections with the bin Ladens, with some believing that to penalize the family for guilt by association was, as one put it, "monstrous".

The New Yorker

In order to allow its subscribers to sever connections with the old local ISPs and telecoms completely, Google will soon offer home phone service for Fiber subscribers.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Yet, when things become ever so spiky or unsightly, they are also the first to publicly sever connection with people who choose to vent their anger in more visceral ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

I sever connection with the advance of humankind toward its own best unfolding.

Huffington Post

When the Nazis came to power, he severed connections with Germany.

The New York Times - Books

The institution severed connections with all of them till the dispute, still in court, is settled.

The New York Times

After his interrogation and the conviction that same year of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, Hall severed connections with left-wing political groups, and he and his family moved to New York City.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tens of thousands more subverted their sexual orientation or severed connections with loved ones in order to serve their country -a terrible choice to be forced to make.

Huffington Post

For them, it is an ascetic practice: the sadhu severs connection with his family, renounces his worldly possessions and lives a life of celibacy as prescribed from the sacred texts Paramahamsa Parivrajaka Upanishad.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Al Qaeda severed connection with the group in February of this year.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sever connections with" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and often formal ending of a relationship or association. It is suitable for describing decisions made by organizations or individuals seeking to distance themselves from someone or something.

Common error

Avoid using "sever connections with" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "cut ties" or "break up" to maintain a natural tone. For example, saying "I severed connections with my ex" sounds overly dramatic; "I broke up with my ex" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sever connections with" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of formally ending a relationship or association. As Ludwig AI correctly states, it describes cutting off ties, similar to what the provided examples from news and encyclopedic sources show.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sever connections with" is a formal expression used to describe the act of decisively ending a relationship or association. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and primarily found in neutral to formal contexts like news reports, encyclopedias, and professional communications. While alternatives such as "cut ties with" or "break off relations with" exist, "sever connections with" carries a stronger emphasis on formality and finality. When writing, consider the context and audience to determine whether the formality of "sever connections with" is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cut ties with

Emphasizes a clean break or ending of a relationship.

break off relations with

Focuses on the formal ending of a relationship, often between groups or entities.

dissociate from

Highlights a separation in ideology or alignment.

end association with

A more formal way of describing the termination of a partnership or membership.

terminate relations with

Indicates a formal and often official ending of a relationship.

discontinue relations with

Implies stopping an ongoing relationship or interaction.

withdraw from

Suggests removing oneself or one's affiliation from a group or activity.

abandon association with

Implies a complete and often abrupt ending of a relationship.

relinquish ties with

Focuses on giving up connections or bonds.

disavow any connection with

Highlights a denial of any past or present association.

FAQs

What does "sever connections with" mean?

The phrase "sever connections with" means to completely end a relationship or association with someone or something. It implies a decisive action to cut off ties.

What can I say instead of "sever connections with"?

You can use alternatives like "cut ties with", "break off relations with", or "dissociate from" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "sever connections with"?

It is appropriate to use "sever connections with" in formal contexts, such as business, politics, or when describing a significant and deliberate ending of a relationship. It suggests a more formal and decisive action than simply ending contact.

Is "sever connections with" the same as "cut ties with"?

While both phrases imply ending a relationship, "sever connections with" ("sever connections with") is more formal and suggests a complete and often public break. "Cut ties with" is a more general and less formal way of saying the same thing.