without breaking stride

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without breaking stride" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone continuing an action or movement smoothly without interruption. Example: "She answered the question without breaking stride, maintaining her pace during the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She continued her routine without breaking stride.

The New York Times

"I already did media," Perkins said, without breaking stride.

The New York Times - Sports

I try and get it in my bag without breaking stride.

The New York Times

"I love you!" he bellowed at Mr. Bateman without breaking stride.

The New York Times

But the compositions are full of subtle twists, which his partners negotiate without breaking stride.

The New York Times - Arts

Federer congratulated him and continued to talk news media strategy without breaking stride.

The New York Times - Sports

"Getting treatment," Wells said, without breaking stride as he walked away from reporters.

The New York Times - Sports

And true to New York City, most passers-by glanced up without breaking stride.

The New York Times

It's a decent 4x4 and can hare up a 30-degree slope without breaking stride.

The Guardian - Tech

Running back Leon Washington hauled in an over-the-shoulder grab without breaking stride.

The New York Times - Sports

Without breaking stride, he told the pitching coach Dan Warthen, "It's changing today".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without breaking stride" to describe actions where maintaining continuity is crucial, such as sports commentary, process descriptions or narratives where a character remains unfazed by distractions.

Common error

Avoid using "without breaking stride" only in literal walking or running contexts. Extend its application to describe any continuous action, whether physical or metaphorical, like solving problems or delivering information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without breaking stride" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatical and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sports

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without breaking stride" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe actions performed continuously and smoothly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used. Its frequency in News & Media and Sports contexts indicates its relevance in descriptive writing. Use it to add nuance and emphasize the uninterrupted nature of an action, and remember to consider related phrases like "seamlessly continuing" or "without missing a beat" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without missing a beat

An idiomatic expression that suggests flawless continuation.

keeping up the pace

Emphasizes the act of not slowing down and maintaining the current speed.

keeping the flow

Maintaining the momentum and continuity of an action or activity.

seamlessly continuing

This alternative emphasizes the smooth and uninterrupted nature of the continuation.

smoothly advancing

Focuses on the smooth and progressive nature of the movement.

effortlessly proceeding

Highlights the ease and lack of difficulty in maintaining progress.

proceeding unabated

This emphasizes the action continues without any reduction in intensity or force.

maintaining momentum

Focuses on preserving the existing speed and force.

uninterruptedly moving

Directly states the lack of interruption in the movement.

flowing continuously

Implies a smooth and unbroken flow of action.

FAQs

How can I use "without breaking stride" in a sentence?

You can use "without breaking stride" to describe someone continuing an action smoothly and without any interruption. For instance, "She answered the question "without breaking stride", maintaining her pace during the presentation."

What are some alternatives to "without breaking stride"?

Alternatives include "seamlessly continuing", "effortlessly proceeding", or "without missing a beat" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "without breaking stride" in formal writing?

Yes, "without breaking stride" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a continuous action or process. However, consider whether a more precise term might be more suitable for highly technical contexts.

What does "without breaking stride" imply about the action being described?

It implies that the action is being performed smoothly and continuously, without any significant pause or interruption. It suggests a level of expertise or ease in performing the action.