Meaning trap

break off

end a relationship or talks

To suddenly stop a relationship, discussion, or agreement.

phrasal verbB2occasional

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

end a relationship or talks

To suddenly stop a relationship, discussion, or agreement.

break off (become detached)

Another meaning of 'break off' is 'become detached'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

They decided to break off their engagement after realizing they wanted different things.relationships
In my opinion, it's sometimes better to break off negotiations if both sides can't find common ground.IELTS speaking

Pattern: break off (sth) | break (sth) off

WrongThey broke off with the talks.

RightThey broke off the talks. / They broke off negotiations.

'Break off' takes the object directly — no 'with'. ('Break up with' is for couples.)

Patternbreak off (sth) | break (sth) off

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The two countries terminated all diplomatic relations.

Natural The two countries broke off relations.

'Break off relations/an engagement' is the natural collocation; 'terminated' is formal/legal.

Words that usually travel with it.

'Break up' is more common for ending romantic relationships, while 'break off' is also used for ending talks or agreements.

break off (become detached) — Another meaning of 'break off' is 'become detached'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.