sever the relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"People have so many online strings that bind them that cutting one does not sever the relationship.

The New York Times

Explaining her reasoning about whether to sever the relationship, she wrote, "In the end in this business, it's all a matter of who needs who the most".

The New York Times - Magazine

"As Art Radio is a spinoff of P.S. 1 and MoMA, they are trying to sever the relationship they had with the Clocktower space," Ms. Heiss said.

The New York Times

Anger protects a person against cheaters who accept a favor without reciprocating, by impelling him to punish the ingrate or sever the relationship.

The New York Times

The policy also has its Tory critics within the cabinet who fear a policy that removes people from paying tax would sever the relationship between government and the people.

The Guardian

When Nixon became president, his aides urged him to sever the relationship with Dr. Hutschnecker, but the two men maintained contact by telephone, and Dr. Hutschnecker twice visited the White House, ostensibly to discuss national issues.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Mark Lawson The proliferation of digital channels has severed the relationship of responsibility between channel and viewer.

The Guardian

This is true even when the physician has excellent reasons for severing the relationship and finds the patient another doctor.

The New York Times - Health

It is not the singular event -- the unceremonious court order -- that severs the relationship; rather, it is the horror of the prelude and the pain of the aftermath.

The New York Times - Magazine

Jones reacted with ignorance regarding Francis's past, but she severed the relationship when she was schooled on history -- and the value of her Nike image.

The New York Times - Sports

Wallace, whose theory played such a crucial part in severing the relationship between science and religion, then devoted himself to the attempt to link them again.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sever the relationship", ensure the context clearly indicates which relationship is being terminated. Ambiguity can arise if the subject and object of the relationship are not explicitly stated.

Common error

Avoid using "sever the relationship" in overly casual or informal settings. Simpler phrases like "break up" or "stop being friends" may be more appropriate depending on the relationship and the tone you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sever the relationship" is that of a verb phrase. It describes the action of ending a connection or association. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples showing the phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sever the relationship" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that denotes the act of ending a connection or association. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears in various contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific articles. While alternatives like "cut ties" or "end the partnership" exist, "sever the relationship" carries a more formal and decisive tone. When using the phrase, ensure clarity regarding the relationship being terminated and avoid overuse in casual conversation. This phrase finds prominence in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, reflecting its suitability for describing significant and often complex disconnections.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terminate the association

Focuses on the formal ending of an association, often in a professional or organizational context.

dissolve the connection

Emphasizes the weakening and eventual disappearance of a bond or link.

break off relations

Highlights a more abrupt and potentially confrontational end to a relationship, often used in diplomatic or personal contexts.

cut ties

A more informal and direct way of expressing the end of a relationship or connection.

end the partnership

Specifically refers to the termination of a collaborative or cooperative relationship.

discontinue contact

Focuses on ceasing communication or interaction with someone.

abandon the alliance

Describes ending a formal agreement or coalition, often used in political or strategic contexts.

rupture the bond

Suggests a forceful and often emotional breaking of a connection.

cease interaction

A formal and neutral way to indicate stopping all forms of communication or engagement.

close the door

Implies ending a possibility or opportunity for future engagement or relationship.

FAQs

What does "sever the relationship" mean?

The phrase "sever the relationship" means to completely end a connection or association with someone or something. It implies a decisive and often formal termination.

What are some alternatives to "sever the relationship"?

You can use alternatives such as "terminate the association", "cut ties", or "end the partnership" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "sever the relationship" or "end the relationship"?

"Sever the relationship" implies a more formal or decisive ending than "end the relationship". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired tone. "Sever" suggests a more forceful and complete separation.

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

It is appropriate to use "sever the relationship" when describing a formal or significant ending of a connection, such as in business dealings, legal agreements, or important personal relationships where a clear and complete break is intended. It's less common in casual contexts.