What are the definitions of “break away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave an organisation, usually to form a new one.
The SDP BROKE AWAY from the Labour Party.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “break away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb break away is to leave an organization, group, or association, often to form a new one. This can happen in politics, business, or other social groups.
What are the different verb forms of “break away”?
| Root Verb | break away |
| Third Person Singular Present | breaks away |
| Present Participle | breaking away |
| Simple Past | broke away |
| Past Participle | broken away |
Example
A few members decided to break away and start their own club.
Example
She breaks away from the group to pursue her own interests.
Example
They are breaking away from the main organization to form a new one.
Example
He broke away from the company and started his own business.
Example
The new political party had broken away from the old one.
What kind of phrasal verb is “break away”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“break away” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The smaller group broke away from the larger organization.
Example
She broke away to start her own business.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“break away” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The smaller group broke away from the larger organization.
Example
She broke away to start her own business.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “break away”?
Good things to know
Does “break away” have an informal or formal tone?
Break away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as news articles or business discussions.
