the breaking of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the breaking of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the act of breaking something, often in a metaphorical or literal sense. Example: "The breaking of the glass signaled the end of the celebration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others welcome the breaking of a taboo.

The Economist

"We celebrate the breaking of glass ceilings.

The New York Times

"We are not watching the breaking of toothpicks.

The Economist

"We demand the breaking of relations with Israel.

The Guardian

Here, we come to the breaking of that confidence.

The Guardian - Sport

Material breach is the breaking of an agreement that counts.

The New York Times - Magazine

The breaking of the silence still produces some uncomfortable confrontations.

The New York Times

"But the embrace is about the breaking of cycles.

The Guardian - Film

His real interest was in the breaking of rules!

The New Yorker

Iftar, the breaking of the fast, is at 9.23.

The Guardian

The breaking of the fourth-wall convention must be avoided.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the breaking of" when you want to emphasize the action of disrupting or violating something, whether it's a rule, a physical object, or an abstract concept.

Common error

While "the breaking of" is generally acceptable, be mindful of overuse in very formal writing. Alternatives like "violation" or "breach" might provide a more concise and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the breaking of" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "breaking" acts as a gerund (a verb acting as a noun) and "of" introduces a prepositional phrase specifying what is being broken. Ludwig AI affirms that it's usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the breaking of" is a versatile and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the act of disrupting or violating something. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability in written English. While "the breaking of" is suitable for various contexts, from formal academic papers to news reports, its usage is particularly frequent in News & Media and Science. When choosing to use "the breaking of", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and whether alternatives like "violation", "breach", or "rupture" might be more appropriate. It is important to select the phrase that best suits the tone and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the violation of

This alternative emphasizes the transgression or disregard of a rule, law, or agreement.

the rupture of

This alternative suggests a sudden and forceful break or tear.

the breach of

This alternative implies a failure to uphold a duty or obligation.

the termination of

This alternative refers to the act of ending or concluding something.

the disruption of

This alternative focuses on the interruption or disturbance of a process or activity.

the fracturing of

This alternative emphasizes the act of something cracked or split.

the shattering of

This alternative suggests a violent and complete disintegration.

the infringement of

This alternative refers to the act of limiting or undermining someone's rights.

the crumbling of

This alternative suggests a slow process of decay or collapse.

the fracturing of

This alternative emphasizes the creation of cracks or fissures in something.

FAQs

How can I use "the breaking of" in a sentence?

You can use "the breaking of" to describe the act of violating a rule (e.g., "the breaking of the law"), disrupting a process (e.g., "the breaking of the silence"), or fracturing an object (e.g., "the breaking of the glass").

What are some alternatives to "the breaking of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "the violation of", "the breach of", "the rupture of", or "the termination of".

Is it always appropriate to use "the breaking of" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider whether a more concise term like "violation" or "breach" might be more suitable in highly formal contexts. Evaluate which option best fits the tone and clarity of your writing.

What is the difference between "the breaking of" and "the violation of"?

"The breaking of" generally refers to the act of disrupting or fracturing something tangible or intangible. "The violation of" specifically implies a transgression against a rule, law, or right.