Meaning trap
break off
end a relationship or talks
To suddenly stop a relationship, discussion, or agreement.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To suddenly stop a relationship, discussion, or agreement.
Another meaning of 'break off' is 'become detached'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
They decided to break off their engagement after realizing they wanted different things.
In my opinion, it's sometimes better to break off negotiations if both sides can't find common ground.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: They broke off with the talks.
Say: They broke off the talks. / They broke off negotiations.
'Break off' takes the object directly — no 'with'. ('Break up with' is for couples.)
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Break off relations/an engagement' is the natural collocation; 'terminated' is formal/legal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
break off + relations/talks
- the engagement
- talks
- all contact
- negotiations
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- break off (become detached) — Another meaning of 'break off' is 'become detached'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.