to break the routine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to break the routine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of doing something different or unusual to disrupt a regular pattern or schedule. Example: "Sometimes, it's refreshing to break the routine and try something new, like taking a spontaneous trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"We had to break the routine," Mrs. Asch said.

The New York Times

The main thing is to break the routine and do something different.

The New York Times

This past October, the popular resistance movement began to shift tactics, trying to break the routine of weekly demonstrations.

The New York Times - Magazine

The two keepers had to find a way to break the routine of washing the lenses and windows and maintaining the equipment, and to get along, he said.

The New York Times

At intervals, new generations had tried to break the routine of the contemporary concert, with its faculty-lounge chatter and its torturously long pauses as mallet instruments were transported around the stage.

The New Yorker

Once in a while we just have to break the routine to restore mind and body.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Chris's hearing therapist helped him to break the routines he had built for himself, including avoiding noisy situations wherever he could.

Independent

"Some of us try to break the daily routine by organizing funny or challenging events".

Science Magazine

The act of prescribing depends on a series of variables: medical knowledge, doctors' and patients' cultural beliefs, socio-economic factors, a desire to make independent decisions, expectations about the outcome, ability to break the inertia of routine practice and implement recommendations, medical hierarchy and respect for peers [ 1, 15].

BMC Infectious Diseases

If you find any of these things relate to you, find a way to break the habits or change the routine.

WikiHow

My friends and I collaborate on independent films in our spare time to break the monotony of daily routine.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to break the routine" when you want to emphasize the act of intentionally disrupting a regular, often monotonous, pattern of behavior or activity. It suggests a conscious effort to introduce change.

Common error

Avoid using "to break the routine" to describe unexpected interruptions or events that disrupt activities unintentionally. The phrase implies a deliberate action to change a pre-existing pattern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to break the routine" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier indicating the purpose or reason for an action. Ludwig provides examples of its use in various contexts, reflecting its common grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to break the routine" is a grammatically sound and moderately common infinitive phrase used to describe the act of intentionally disrupting a regular pattern or habit. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, and is considered to have a neutral formality level. While its usage is correct, it's essential to ensure that it accurately conveys a deliberate attempt to change a pre-existing pattern, rather than describing an accidental interruption. Alternatives like "to shake things up" or "to change the pace" can provide similar meanings with slightly different connotations. Overall, understanding the nuances and contexts of "to break the routine" ensures its effective use in writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to disrupt the pattern

Focuses on interrupting an existing pattern rather than a specific routine.

to change the pace

Emphasizes altering the speed or rhythm of activities.

to shake things up

A more informal idiom for creating excitement and change.

to deviate from the norm

Highlights a departure from typical behavior or standards.

to alter the course

Suggests making a significant change in direction or progress.

to vary the habit

Focuses on introducing variety to an established habit.

to switch things around

Informal way to describe changing the order or arrangement of something.

to break with tradition

Specifically refers to abandoning or rejecting established customs.

to depart from custom

Similar to 'break with tradition' but slightly more formal.

to diversify the activities

Highlights the introduction of new and different activities.

FAQs

How can I use "to break the routine" in a sentence?

You can use "to break the routine" to describe intentionally doing something different to disrupt a monotonous pattern. For example: "Sometimes, it's necessary "to break the routine" and try new things."

What are some alternatives to "to break the routine"?

Alternatives include "to shake things up", "to change the pace", or "to disrupt the pattern" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "to break the routine"?

Yes, "to break the routine" is grammatically correct. It's an infinitive phrase commonly used to express the action of interrupting a regular pattern.

In what contexts is "to break the routine" most appropriate?

"To break the routine" is appropriate in contexts where you are consciously trying to change or disrupt a regular habit or pattern, whether in personal life, work, or other activities.