break off
B1Neutral - common in both formal and informal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To separate a piece of something from the main part, either literally by snapping or metaphorically by abruptly ending something.
To suddenly stop or end something, such as a conversation, relationship, or activity. Can also mean to become detached.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The phrasal verb implies a suddenness or abruptness in the action. It can be transitive (break off a piece) or intransitive (talks broke off). The literal meaning focuses on physical separation; the figurative meaning focuses on cessation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Usage is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries connotations of abruptness and often incompleteness.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both UK and US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] break off [NP][NP] break off[NP] break off from [NP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “break off the chase”
- “break off a piece of the rock”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for ending negotiations, partnerships, or contracts abruptly.
Academic
Used in historical/political texts describing the end of diplomatic relations.
Everyday
Common for ending conversations, relationships (esp. engagements), or snapping pieces of food.
Technical
In geology/engineering, describes material fracture or detachment.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She decided to break off their engagement after the argument.
- A large chunk of cliff broke off during the storm.
- Let's break off for a cup of tea and resume in fifteen minutes.
American English
- The company broke off negotiations with the union.
- He broke off a piece of the granola bar.
- The senator broke off from the main party to form a new coalition.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Be careful not to break off the handle.
- Can I break off a piece of your biscuit?
- They broke off the conversation when I entered the room.
- The branch broke off in the strong wind.
- The two countries have broken off diplomatic relations.
- He broke off in mid-sentence, realizing his mistake.
- The discovery of fraud led the investors to break off the merger deal abruptly.
- A section of the glacier is expected to break off and form a new iceberg.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of breaking off a piece of a chocolate bar. You SNAP it off (physical) or you SNAP and end a conversation (metaphorical). Both are sudden actions.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELATIONSHIPS/COMMUNICATION ARE PHYSICAL OBJECTS (that can be broken).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'ломать выключить'. For 'прервать (разговор)' use 'break off'. For 'отломить' use 'break off a piece'.
- Do not confuse with 'break up' (to end a romantic relationship more generally) or 'break down' (to stop functioning).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He broke off with his girlfriend.' (Use 'broke up with'). Correct: 'He broke off his engagement to his girlfriend.'
- Incorrect: 'The handle broke off the cup.' (Often acceptable, but 'broke off of' is non-standard). Correct: 'The handle broke off the cup.' or 'A piece broke off the cup.'
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'break off' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can say 'break off a piece' or 'break a piece off'. However, with pronouns, it must be separated: 'break it off'.
'Break off' implies an abrupt end to something specific like talks, an engagement, or a piece. 'Break up' is more general for ending romantic relationships or causing something to separate into many pieces.
Yes. For example: 'The talks broke off yesterday.' or 'A piece of rock broke off and fell.'
Yes, especially when describing separation from a larger group or entity. E.g., 'The faction broke off from the main political party.'
Explore