break off vs. break up

[Chloe]

Hello all,

If we talk about the end of a relationship, is it important which phrase we use "break up" or "break off"?

Thank you!

With best wishes,

Chloe

[kölscheklüngel]

You could say "split off".

Best regards, kölscheklüngel

[Keswick (Contributor)]

"to break up" and "to break off" are basically interchangeable. However, when ending a relationship the more common term would be "to break up". You can use "to split up". While "to split off", as koelschekluengel mentioned, is not wrong, nobody says it and it does sound a wee bit dodgy in my ears.

[Delfino]

to break up - to end a romance (most common term)
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20up

to break off - to end a relationship (e.g. broke off with his business partner)
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20off

to split up - to become separated or parted through disagreement
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/split+up

split off - ???
Can anyone access this page?
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/split%20off

split off - A point in the restructuring of a company where the parent company will offer investors shares of a subsidiary in return for shares of the parent company.
http://www.investorwords.com/6929/split_off.html