was broken off

USAGE SUMMARY

"was broken off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the end or interruption of something. For example: "The conversation was broken off when we heard a loud noise outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A previous engagement was broken off in her early 20s.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One tooth was broken off at the gum line, the nerve exposed.

The New York Times

As a result, says a senior government source, "one of Cameron's antennae was broken off".

The Guardian - Opinion

The tip of the elephant trunk was broken off during the Cultural Revolution.

The Guardian

"Navy crews observed that the sailing vessel's keel was broken off, causing a breach in the hull.

The Guardian

That may be why, this week, China resumed the security dialogue with America that was broken off after a missile hit the Chinese embassy in Belgrade last year.

The Economist

A broad engagement between the countries was broken off after 10 Pakistani gunmen attacked in Mumbai, formerly Bombay, killing at least 163 people.

The New York Times

ETA called a cease-fire in 2006, which was broken off after the collapse of negotiations with the government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.

The New York Times

The Merrimac suffered considerable damage during the battle; its ram was broken off, its iron plates loosened and two cannons destroyed.

The New York Times

ETA called a cease-fire in 2006, which was broken off after the collapse of negotiations with the government of Jos?uis Rodr?ez Zapatero.

The New York Times

A few hours later, Mr. Shah, Mr. Annan's envoy, said publicly that the Iraqis had agreed "without conditions" to resume cooperation, which was broken off on Oct. 31.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was broken off" in passive voice constructions where the actor is unknown or less important than the action itself.

Common error

Avoid using "break off" in active voice when a passive construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "The enemy broke off the attack", consider "The attack was broken off" if the focus is on the attack's termination rather than the enemy's action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was broken off" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that an action (breaking off) was performed on a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was broken off" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to describe the termination, detachment, or discontinuation of something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various sources. The phrase is commonly used in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral register. When writing, it's essential to ensure the context clarifies what exactly is being broken off and to avoid active voice constructions when passive voice is more appropriate. Alternatives like "was terminated" or "was interrupted" may be suitable depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was terminated

Focuses on the action of officially ending something.

was called off

Specifically refers to cancelling an event or arrangement.

was discontinued

Highlights the cessation of an ongoing process or activity.

was interrupted

Emphasizes a temporary or unexpected halt.

was severed

Implies a complete and often forceful separation.

was detached

Focuses on the physical separation of an object.

was fractured

Suggests a break or rupture, similar to a physical breaking off.

was suspended

Suggests a temporary cessation, often with the possibility of resumption.

was halted

Indicates a sudden stop.

came to an end

A more general way of saying something finished.

FAQs

How is "was broken off" used in a sentence?

"Was broken off" indicates that something has been terminated or detached. For example, "The negotiations was broken off due to disagreements", or "The branch was broken off during the storm".

What are some alternatives to "was broken off"?

You can use alternatives such as "was terminated", "was discontinued", or "was interrupted" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "was broken off" instead of "was interrupted"?

"Was broken off" is more suitable when referring to a more definitive or forceful end, whereas "was interrupted" implies a temporary cessation. For example, a peace treaty was broken off, but a phone call was interrupted.

Is "was broken off" formal or informal?

"Was broken off" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter. It is commonly found in news reports, academic papers, and general conversation.