ENGLISH
REFERENCE

breaks

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈbɹeɪks// UK //bɹˈeɪks// breaks
SIMPLE

I usually take two short breaks during the afternoon.

CONTEXTUAL

The company policy ensures that all employees receive thirty-minute lunch breaks and two shorter rest periods.

COMPLEX

Regular breaks are essential for maintaining cognitive focus, as prolonged periods of intense concentration without rest typically lead to a significant decline in productivity and mental clarity.

Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'take' or 'have'.

Pitfall

I am on break since ten minutes.I have been on break for ten minutes.When describing the duration of a break that is still happening, use 'for' with the present perfect, not 'since' with the present simple.

Idioms3 entries

© 2026 English Reference