sever relationships with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sever relationships with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of ending or cutting off connections with someone or a group, often in a formal or serious context. Example: "After the incident, she decided to sever relationships with those who had betrayed her trust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Ms. Frew also advised that people moving abroad "don't sever relationships with U.S. banks and credit card companies when living abroad".

The New York Times

As a result, companies are now far more likely to sever relationships with endorsers quickly, as Speedo and the rest did with Lochte, than to wait for the story to play out.

The New Yorker

"Standard Chartered does not sever relationships with clients based on their nationality, and we adhere to the highest standards of compliance to local and international standards," Ramy Lawand, spokesman for Standard Chartered Bank in the Middle East and North Africa, wrote in an e-mail.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

A dozen municipal governments, including Washington, Chicago and San Francisco, have severed relationships with the scouts or are considering measures to keep the group from using public buildings.

The New York Times

Since 2012, Merck has used Environmental Resources Management to conduct annual audits of mines and processing plants, and says it has severed relationships with two suppliers based on the outcome of these audits.

The Guardian

Within months I left school to live with Salinger; gave up my scholarship; severed relationships with friends; disconnected from my family; forswore all books, music, food and ideas not condoned by him.

The New York Times

As part of its makeover, Tiffany & Co. has severed relationships with 260 retailers in the U.S., including Dayton's, and 146 in Europe, giving up an estimated $36 million in sales.

Forbes

David Brooks of The New York Times, in a recent Op-Ed titled "The Act of Rigorous Forgiving," argues that the fabric of our society would be stronger if we repaired rather than severed relationships with those who commit misdeeds.

Huffington Post

Those deaths could easily be read not as deaths of lovers but as symbolic mourning for her severed relationship with her birth mother.

The Guardian - Books

Fortunately, however, authentic Dasein isn't a Cartesian subject, in part because it has a transformed and not a severed relationship with the 'they'they

SEP

Many municipalities and states have already severed their relationships with Corizon because the problems caused by privatization were too severe and too obvious.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional impact of "sever relationships with". Due to its formal tone, this expression is better suited when avoiding sentimentality or focusing on the decisive nature of the separation.

Common error

Avoid using "sever relationships with" in everyday conversation. It can sound overly dramatic or unnatural. Opt for phrases like "break up with" or "stop talking to" for more casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sever relationships with" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of ending connections with someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase serves to describe the act of formally terminating bonds.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sever relationships with" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of formally ending connections. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most appropriate in formal contexts such as business, legal, or serious personal situations. While authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ it, be mindful of its formality to avoid overuse in casual settings. Alternative phrases like "break off relations with" or "cut off contact with" may be more suitable depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break off relations with

Emphasizes a formal ending of diplomatic or personal connections.

cut off contact with

Focuses on stopping communication or physical interaction.

end associations with

Highlights the termination of a partnership or alliance.

terminate ties with

Implies a formal or legal conclusion of bonds.

discontinue dealings with

Refers to ceasing business or transactional interactions.

dissolve connections with

Suggests dismantling existing links.

rupture bonds with

Implies a sudden and often dramatic end to a close relationship.

break up with

Specifically refers to ending a romantic relationship.

separate from

Indicates a more general act of distancing or parting ways.

abandon connections to

Highlights a complete and often unilateral leaving of a relationship

FAQs

What does "sever relationships with" mean?

The phrase "sever relationships with" means to completely end connections or associations with someone or a group. It suggests a formal or decisive termination of relations.

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

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

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

It's appropriate to use "sever relationships with" in formal contexts where a decisive end to a connection is being communicated, such as in business, legal, or serious personal situations. It should not be used in informal contexts.

Is "sever ties with" the same as "sever relationships with"?

Yes, "sever ties with" is a similar phrase to "sever relationships with". Both phrases mean to end connections, although "sever relationships with" is a slightly broader term that encompasses all types of relationships, not just formal ties.