Break Off – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever ended a phone call abruptly, stopped a conversation mid-sentence, or decided to end a relationship or engagement? In English, you can say you broke off the call, the talk, or the relationship. This useful phrasal verb means to end something suddenly or intentionally—especially a connection, communication, or formal relationship.
What Does “Break Off” Mean?
“Break off” means to end something abruptly or deliberately—such as a conversation, relationship, engagement, negotiation, or contact. Think of it like snapping a twig: one moment it’s connected, the next it’s separated. The phrase isn’t literal; it’s a clear way to say, “We stopped it on purpose.”
When to Use It
Use this phrase in casual or neutral conversations when describing the end of something that once existed—especially if it ends suddenly or formally. It’s common when talking about relationships (“They broke off their engagement”), diplomacy (“The countries broke off talks”), or even mid-conversation (“She broke off when she saw the news”). This phrasal verb works in both everyday and professional English.
Example Sentences
- They broke off their engagement after a long argument.
- The ambassador said the two nations broke off diplomatic relations.
- He broke off mid-sentence when he realized what he’d said.
- We had to break off the meeting because of the power outage.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Did you hear about Lena and Tom?”
Jamie: “Yeah, they broke off their engagement last week.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use “break off” for casual pauses or natural endings. It implies a deliberate or abrupt stop—not just finishing a chat or saying goodbye politely.
❌ Don’t say: “I broke off the conversation after saying goodbye.” (That’s a normal ending.)
✅ Do say: “I broke off the call when I heard shouting in the background.”
Practice Tip
Next time you hear about a canceled negotiation or a split couple, try saying: “They broke off the talks” or “She broke off the relationship.” It’s a natural way to describe intentional endings in English.
Final Note
Now you can use “break off” to describe sudden or formal endings with precision and clarity! It’s a strong, versatile phrase that helps you talk about disconnections—whether emotional, diplomatic, or conversational. Keep using it—and remember, sometimes breaking off is the healthiest choice.