B2 verb Neutral

branch

/bræntʃ/

To divide into two or more parts or to extend into a new area of activity, interest, or study. It is frequently used to describe physical objects like roads and rivers, or abstract concepts like academic disciplines and business expansions.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The hiking trail branches to the left just after the small bridge.

The hiking trail branches to the left just after the small bridge.

2

The current research branches into three distinct areas of investigation.

The current research branches into three distinct areas of investigation.

3

I think it's time for me to branch out and learn a new hobby.

I think it's time for me to branch out and learn a new hobby.

Word Family

Noun
branch
Verb
branch
Adjective
branched
Related
branching
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Memory Tip

Visualize a tree. The trunk is the main idea, and the branches are the smaller parts that grow away from it into new directions.

Quick Quiz

The main river _____ into several smaller streams as it reaches the valley.

Correct!

The correct answer is: branches

Examples

1

The hiking trail branches to the left just after the small bridge.

everyday

The hiking trail branches to the left just after the small bridge.

2

The current research branches into three distinct areas of investigation.

formal

The current research branches into three distinct areas of investigation.

3

I think it's time for me to branch out and learn a new hobby.

informal

I think it's time for me to branch out and learn a new hobby.

4

Linguistics often branches into subfields such as phonetics and syntax.

academic

Linguistics often branches into subfields such as phonetics and syntax.

5

The corporation plans to branch into the telecommunications market next quarter.

business

The corporation plans to branch into the telecommunications market next quarter.

Word Family

Noun
branch
Verb
branch
Adjective
branched
Related
branching

Common Collocations

branch out into branch out into
branch off from branch off from
a road branches a road branches
the study branches the study branches
suddenly branch suddenly branch

Common Phrases

branch out

to start doing something new or different

branch off

to leave a main road or path

branch out on one's own

to start a business or activity independently

Often Confused With

branch vs brand

Brand refers to a product identity, while branch as a verb refers to dividing or expanding.

branch vs bifurcate

Bifurcate is a more formal, technical term specifically meaning to divide into exactly two branches.

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Usage Notes

When used in a business or personal growth context, it is almost always followed by the particle 'out' (branch out). In scientific or geographic contexts, 'branch' can be used alone to describe physical division.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often forget to use 'into' or 'from' after the verb. For example, say 'branch into a new field' rather than 'branch a new field'.

💡

Memory Tip

Visualize a tree. The trunk is the main idea, and the branches are the smaller parts that grow away from it into new directions.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French 'branche', which comes from the Late Latin 'branca' meaning 'paw' or 'claw'.

Grammar Patterns

intransitive verb often followed by prepositions: into, off, from can be used in the progressive form (branching)
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Cultural Context

In academic and corporate English, 'branching' is a common metaphor for specialization or the creation of local offices.

Quick Quiz

The main river _____ into several smaller streams as it reaches the valley.

Correct!

The correct answer is: branches

Related Grammar Rules

Related Words

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

for

A1

Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.

not

A1

A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.

with

A1

A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.

he

A1

A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.

you

A1

Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.

at

A1

A preposition used to indicate a specific point, location, or position in space. It is also used to specify a particular point in time or a certain state or activity.

but

A1

A coordinating conjunction used to connect two statements that contrast with each other. It is used to introduce an added statement that is different from what has already been mentioned.

his

A1

This word is used to show that something belongs to or is associated with a male person or animal previously mentioned. It functions as both a possessive determiner used before a noun and a possessive pronoun used on its own.

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