BREAK AWAY FROM

Tiny House

📖 Definition

To 'break away from' means to leave or become independent from a group, organization, or set of beliefs that one has been part of.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To 'break away from' means to leave or become independent from a group, organization, or set of beliefs that one has been part of.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The verb and particle must stay together without intervening words.
Register
Neutral
Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires an object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple break away from She wants to break away from her current job.
Past Simple broke away from He broke away from the group last year.
Present Continuous breaking away from They are considering breaking away from the organization.
Present Perfect have broken away from Several members have broken away from the party.

💡 When to Use

Leaving an organization
Use when someone leaves an organization or group to start anew or become independent.
Example: "Marie decided to break away from the company last month."
Rejecting beliefs
Use when someone abandons previously held ideas or doctrines, often due to a change in perspective.
Example: "He broke away from traditional values after traveling abroad."
Political independence
Use when a region or group seeks political independence from a ruling entity.
Example: "The region has been attempting to break away from the country for decades."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect particle usage
❌ Wrong: They broke out from the team.
✅ Correct: They broke away from the team.
💡 Tip: Remember: ‘break away from’, not ‘break out from’.
Missing object
❌ Wrong: She broke away.
✅ Correct: She broke away from the firm.
💡 Tip: Always specify what you’re breaking away from.
Incorrect tense
❌ Wrong: He is broke away from the tradition.
✅ Correct: He broke away from the tradition.
💡 Tip: Ensure correct past tense use: broke away.
Practice

BREAK AWAY FROM - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

detached from separated from

Antonyms

aligned with

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The organization aims to ___ away from outdated practices."

breakin
break away from
breakout
broke

"To break away from constraints is to free one's soul and discover the uncharted territories of individual potential."

In Context

In the late 18th century, a remarkable event unfolded as American colonies endeavored to break away from British rule. The tension had simmered for years, fueled by the colonies' desire for autonomy. Voices of discontent grew louder as the Colonists sought to break away from oppressive taxation without representation. This culminated in the Boston Tea Party of 1773. As tea chests plunged into the harbor, it became a symbol of the struggle to break away from British dominance. Things escalated quickly, leading to the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Spearheaded by influential figures like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, the document articulated the colonies' rights and intentions to break away from the crown's control. Amidst battles, rallies, and diplomatic negotiations, the fight for freedom persisted through sweat and blood. Finally, in 1783, after years of warfare and endurance, the Treaty of Paris was signed. This decisive moment marked the successful breakaway of the United States from British rule. It signaled a new era, where a fledgling nation would shape its own destiny, no longer tethered to the empire but charting a course toward democracy and sovereignty.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Break Away From

What is the origin of break away from?

+
The phrase 'break away from' originates from the physical act of breaking free from restraint. Its metaphorical use evolved over centuries as societies sought independence.

Can break away from be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'break away from' is versatile and can be used in both formal contexts, such as political discourse, and informal contexts, like personal narratives.

What is the difference between break away from and detach from?

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'Break away from' often implies a decisive or sudden action with emotional intensity, while 'detach from' suggests a more deliberate and calm process.

Related Phrasal Verbs

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break away frombreak away frombreak away frombreak away frombreak away from
Browse All Tiny House Phrasal Verbs
Tiny House Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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