What are the definitions of “break off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Break a piece from something.
She BROKE OFF a square of chocolate and gave it to her dog.
- 2End a relationship.
She BROKE OFF their engagement when she found out that he'd been unfaithful.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “break off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb break off is to separate a piece from something larger, often by snapping or tearing it. It can also mean to end a relationship or agreement suddenly.
What are the different verb forms of “break off”?
| Root Verb | break off |
| Third Person Singular Present | breaks off |
| Present Participle | breaking off |
| Simple Past | broke off |
| Past Participle | broken off |
Example
She decided to break off a piece of the chocolate bar.
Example
He breaks off a piece of bread to share with his friend.
Example
She is breaking off a piece of the cookie to give to her child.
Example
Yesterday, they broke off a branch from the tree.
Example
The handle had been broken off the cup.
What kind of phrasal verb is “break off”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“break off” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She broke off a piece of chocolate.
Example
He broke their engagement off when he found out the truth.
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 off” 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
She broke off a piece of chocolate.
Example
He broke their engagement off when he found out the truth.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “break off”?
To end a romantic or personal relationship suddenly and decisively.
Example
After learning about his dishonesty, she decided to break off their relationship.
Good things to know
Does “break off” have an informal or formal tone?
Break off 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 business negotiations or legal discussions.
