sever the bond

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sever the bond" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is discussing the act of breaking or cutting ties, whether emotional, social, or contractual. Example: "After years of conflict, she decided it was time to sever the bond with her former business partner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Even a world war can't sever the bond between aristocrats and the servants who love them.

The New York Times - Arts

Returning to New Hampshire to sever the bond is not an option either.

The New York Times

"When her middle granddaughter, Lady Edith, frets that she will end up a spinster, Lady Violet says briskly, 'Don't be defeatist, Dear, it's very middle class.' There is nothing middle class about 'Downton Abbey.' Even a world war can't sever the bond between aristocrats and the servants who love them".

The New York Times

The molecular laser isotope separation method employs a laser beam of precise energy to sever the bond between uranium-235 and fluorine.

Wikipedia

Just as you had to let go and watch her fall when she learned to walk, so now you must let go and watch her begin a new life, knowing she will fall, knowing that this represents a goodbye of sorts, and also knowing that nothing in this world can sever the bond between mother and daughter.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But, as the leader of a party that has always defended the interests of the chaebol (which are big political donors), it is not obvious that he can be trusted to sever the bonds between business and government.

The Economist

Scotland's problems, after all, are Britain's problems too; and any vote to sever the bonds that currently link the Scots to their fellow citizens in the UK will serve, in effect, as an abandonment of shared responsibilities that previous generations were proud to shoulder.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, it should seek a way to sever the bonds between the two.

Forbes

If thrown hard enough, your rock could break, or you sever the bonds you share with him/her.

WikiHow

And there are moments of drama: Jodi Melnick, intense yet slippery, clutches Mr. Gries and then sharply severs the bond with a backward dip of her head.

The New York Times - Arts

The bill states the law is needed "because the parliament recognises that Australian citizenship is a common bond, involving reciprocal rights and obligations, and that citizens may, through certain conduct incompatible with the shared values of the Australian community, demonstrate that they have severed the bond and repudiated their allegiance to Australia".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sever the bond" when you want to emphasize a decisive and often difficult ending of a relationship, connection, or obligation.

Common error

Avoid using "sever the bond" in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler phrases like "end the relationship" or "break the connection" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sever the bond" functions as a verb phrase, where "sever" acts as a transitive verb taking "the bond" as its direct object. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sever the bond" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe the action of ending a connection, relationship, or obligation. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it is usable in written English and appropriate for describing a variety of scenarios. While not overly common, it fits well in news articles, scientific papers, and more formal discussions. Alternative phrases include "break the connection" and "cut the ties". When using "sever the bond", remember it indicates a decisive ending.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break the connection

Focuses on the action of disrupting a connection without necessarily implying a complete end.

cut the ties

Emphasizes the act of ending a relationship or connection, often abruptly.

dissolve the relationship

Highlights the formal or legal ending of a connection.

end the association

Focuses on terminating a formal or official connection.

rupture the link

Suggests a sudden and forceful breaking of a connection.

terminate the alliance

Implies the ending of a formal agreement or partnership.

disrupt the link

Refers to the interruption of a chain of events.

separate the connection

Highlights the act of creating a distinction between two things that were once connected.

undo the ties

Focuses on reversing the process that created a connection.

eradicate the association

Emphasizes the action of totally destroying the link between two things.

FAQs

What does it mean to "sever the bond"?

To "sever the bond" means to decisively end a relationship, connection, or obligation. It implies a significant and often difficult break.

What can I say instead of "sever the bond"?

You can use alternatives like "break the connection", "cut the ties", or "end the relationship" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "sever the bond"?

It's appropriate to use "sever the bond" when describing a formal or serious ending to a relationship or agreement. It fits well in news articles, academic papers, and formal discussions.

Is "sever the bond" a common phrase?

While not extremely common, "sever the bond" is a recognizable and understandable phrase. It's more common in formal writing than in everyday speech.