substantial break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant interruption or pause in an activity, process, or event. Example: "After a substantial break in the meeting, the team resumed their discussion on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

We need a substantial break with tradition.

The Economist

Thus, Americans living abroad actually get a SUBSTANTIAL BREAK in the filing requirements, relative to anyone residing in the U.S.

The New York Times

Eliminating taxes on interest will only result in a substantial break for those with substantial income from interest.

The New York Times

But in principle, the idea that employers should want to keep hold of talented people, even after a substantial break, is a good one.

The Guardian - Opinion

Under league rules, the annual cap figure for the Devils would have been the average per year -- $6 million, a substantial break for seven of the seasons.

The New York Times

"After 14 years without a substantial break I'm fried, and I need to fill up my soul with art and music," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The potential game-changer provisions — "loser pay," limited discovery and discovery cost-shifting, and protection of "secondary entities" — are substantial breaks from current practice and will likely garner significant discussion from constituents on all sides of this issue.

TechCrunch

Working unceasingly and without substantial breaks has been shown to be an ineffective way to master a task.

Huffington Post

Author Hugh Sebag-Montefiore concludes that substantial breaks into German Army and Air Force Enigma ciphers by the British would have occurred only after November 1941 at the earliest, after an Enigma machine and key lists had been captured, and similarly into Naval Enigma only after late 1942.

Wikipedia

His factories were accused of importing sugar from outside Europe that was then repackaged and sold to the European Union, thereby receiving a substantial tax break.

The New York Times

The best views of the phenomenon will be had along the north-west coast, southern Wales and southern parts of the Midlands, where there is expected to be a substantial enough break in the cloud.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a pause or interruption, consider the context to determine if "substantial break" accurately conveys the length and impact of the break. Alternatives like "significant pause" or "major interruption" might be more appropriate depending on the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial break" in very informal conversations. Simpler terms like "long break" or "big pause" are often more appropriate for casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial break" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "substantial" modifies the noun "break". This phrase typically serves to identify a significant interruption or pause, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantial break" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a significant pause or interruption. As Ludwig highlights, it's prevalent in news, media, and scientific contexts, suggesting a relatively neutral to professional tone. When writing, it's important to consider the context, as simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for informal settings. Ludwig AI confirms that "substantial break" is indeed correct and usable in various writing scenarios. To enhance clarity and avoid overuse, remember to explore alternatives like ""significant pause"" or "major interruption" depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant pause

Emphasizes the temporary cessation of activity.

considerable hiatus

Highlights a more extended period of interruption.

major interruption

Stresses the disruptive nature of the break.

lengthy respite

Focuses on the rest or relief provided by the break.

extended recess

Suggests a formal or scheduled break, often in an institutional setting.

prolonged intermission

Implies a break in a performance or event.

appreciable lull

Indicates a temporary period of reduced activity or intensity.

sizeable gap

Focuses on the duration or extent of the break.

notable discontinuation

Highlights the cessation of something, often with the intent to resume.

marked suspension

Emphasizes a temporary halt or postponement.

FAQs

What does "substantial break" mean?

A "substantial break" refers to a significant or considerable interruption or pause in an activity, process, or event. The adjective "substantial" indicates that the break is not minor or insignificant.

How can I use "substantial break" in a sentence?

You can use "substantial break" to describe a significant pause. For example: "After a "significant pause" in the meeting, the team resumed their discussion."

What can I say instead of "substantial break"?

You can use alternatives like ""significant pause"", "major interruption", or "considerable hiatus" depending on the context.

Is "substantial break" formal or informal?

"Substantial break" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very casual settings, simpler terms like "long break" might be preferred.