sever relations with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sever relations with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of ending or breaking off a relationship or connection with someone or something, often in a formal or diplomatic context. Example: "The government decided to sever relations with the country after the recent diplomatic incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

In a statement released on Friday, Mr. Bruno, the state's top Republican, said the decision to sever relations with Wright came "after several weeks of discussion".

The New York Times

Liberius also agreed to sever relations with Athanasius and submitted to the authority of the emperor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"If he continues to call Taiwan a country we [should] sever relations with him," the academic fumed.

The Guardian

"We are asking those countries who have relations with Israel just to tell us when they will sever relations with Israel," President Assad said.

The New York Times

French attitudes toward professionalism were much more relaxed than in the British Isles, which led the Home Nations unions to sever relations with France in 1932, though they were restored in 1945.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It will sever relations with a fifth of its domestic-sales affiliates, shut 10% of its retail outlets in Japan, streamline dealer networks in America and Europe, and give its advertising to a single agency.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

On Monday, Bahrain and Sudan also severed relations with Iran, and the United Arab Emirates downgraded ties.

The New Yorker

He rejected the commission's findings and severed relations with Mr. Ginsburg.

The New York Times

Mexico severed relations with the United States in March 1845, shortly after the U.S. annexation of Texas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ms. Hendra never severed relations with her father, she said, because of the complicated emotions she felt.

The New York Times - Books

The NGK withdrew from the World Council of Churches in 1961 and severed relations with the Netherlands Reformed Church in the Netherlands in 1978.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sever relations with" when you want to emphasize a formal or decisive ending of a relationship, especially in diplomatic or official contexts. For example, "The country decided to "sever relations with" its neighbor due to ongoing border disputes."

Common error

Avoid using "sever relations with" in casual contexts. It's generally too formal for everyday conversations; consider using alternatives like "break up with" or "cut ties with" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sever relations with" functions as a phrasal verb. It describes the action of formally ending a relationship, connection, or association. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from personal relationships to international diplomacy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sever relations with" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the formal ending of a relationship or connection. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is prevalent in news, encyclopedias, and formal writing. When a less formal tone is desired, phrases like "cut ties with" or "break off relations with" may be more appropriate. While widely used, it's important to reserve "sever relations with" for situations where a decisive and official termination is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break off relations with

Emphasizes the act of stopping a relationship, focusing on the termination.

cut ties with

Highlights the action of ending connections, suggesting a deliberate act of separation.

terminate dealings with

Specifically refers to ending business or formal interactions.

end associations with

Focuses on ceasing any form of partnership or alliance.

rupture diplomatic ties with

Implies a formal and often public break in diplomatic connections.

discontinue contact with

Highlights the cessation of communication or interaction.

dissolve the alliance with

Suggests the formal ending of a partnership or treaty.

suspend cooperation with

Implies a temporary halt to collaborative efforts.

withdraw support from

Focuses on removing backing or assistance from a person or entity.

renounce affiliation with

Highlights the formal disavowal of a connection or membership.

FAQs

What does "sever relations with" mean?

"Sever relations with" means to formally end a relationship or connection with someone or something, often implying a significant or decisive break. It's commonly used in political or diplomatic contexts.

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

It's most appropriate to use "sever relations with" in formal contexts, such as political statements, diplomatic communications, or official announcements where a relationship is being officially terminated. In casual conversations, it might sound overly formal.

What are some alternative ways to say "sever relations with"?

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

Is there a difference between "sever relations with" and "cut ties with"?

While both phrases indicate ending a relationship, "sever relations with" is generally considered more formal and is often used in official or diplomatic contexts. "Cut ties with" is slightly less formal and can be used in a broader range of situations.