broke off the story vs paused the story

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'Broke off the story' implies a sudden or abrupt interruption, while 'paused the story' suggests a temporary stop with the intention of resuming later. The choice between the two depends on the specific context and the desired connotation.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 816 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate a sudden or abrupt interruption of a story.

"broke off the story"

This phrase is used when referring to stopping a story suddenly or abruptly, without completing it. It implies an unexpected or unplanned halt.

Examples:

He broke off the story when he realized he had forgotten a crucial detail.
The phone call made her break off the story she was telling.
She broke off the story midway through, leaving everyone in suspense.

Show examples from the web [+]

On 7 September 1950, Hergé broke off the story with the statement "end of part one". He felt the need for a break from work, having fallen back into clinical ...
In September 1950, Hergé broke off the story, feeling the need for a break from work, having fallen back into clinical depression. He and Germaine went on ...
When I broke off the story the position of the Allies was as follows. Northwards from Compiègne to Lassigny extended the left wing of Maunoury's army.
I broke off the story and sang 'All you need is pugs!' to the tune of All You Need is Love as she walked by... @steviewyatt @girthmoon. 0 retweets 1 favorite.

Alternatives:

abruptly stopped the story
ended the story abruptly
halted the story suddenly
abruptly halted the story
suddenly stopped the story

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate a temporary stop in a story with the intention of resuming it later.

"paused the story"

This phrase is used when referring to taking a break or temporary stop in a story, with the intention of continuing it later. It implies a planned or intentional pause.

Examples:

She paused the story to grab a drink and then continued.
Let's pause the story here and continue after the break.
He paused the story at a cliffhanger moment to build suspense.

Show examples from the web [+]

I paused the story and asked my son, “Do you think that was a good idea?” “No!” he said shaking his head vigorously. In spite of himself, he was getting into the ...
Feb 9, 2015 ... He then paused the story, stepped back and smiled. "But I got him," Wilkins said. " He only scored 39." A peek at Basketball Reference shows ...
Feb 10, 2015 ... I was happy for a second, and then he said, 'But I'm still going for 40 on you tonight.' ” He then paused the story, stepped back and smiled.
Feb 10, 2015 ... He then paused the story, stepped back and smiled. “But I got him,” Wilkins said. “ He only scored 39.” Hey! The Hawks might have gotten ...

Alternatives:

took a break from the story
temporarily stopped the story
put the story on hold
suspended the story
interrupted the story temporarily

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broke off the story vs paused the story