a brake on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brake on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that slows down or restrains progress or action. Example: "The new regulations act as a brake on the rapid expansion of the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— putting a brake on growth.

The New York Times

We are not a brake on you".

The Guardian

Putting a brake on discretionary spending.

The Guardian

How air pollution has put a brake on global warming.

Yale University

But he would put a brake on the process.

The New Yorker

All of this acts as a brake on growth.

The Economist

Dearer currencies act as a brake on exports.

The Economist

Indiana has already put a brake on them.

The New York Times

"He says he is a brake on the Tories.

The Guardian

He is a brake on progress; he has to die.

The Guardian - Books

Copper blocks this enzyme, thereby "putting a brake on a brake," Chang said.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a brake on", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being slowed down or restrained. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid overstating the impact of something acting as "a brake on". It implies a slowing effect, not a complete stop. Use stronger terms if you mean to convey a full halt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brake on" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, indicating something that restricts or slows down a particular process or action. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

26%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a brake on" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something that slows down or restrains progress. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely applicable across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general communication. While semantically similar phrases like "a restraint on" or "a hindrance to" can be used as alternatives, "a brake on" effectively conveys the idea of limiting or impeding advancement, fitting well in numerous writing scenarios. Be mindful to not overstate its impact, as it suggests a slowing effect rather than a complete halt. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in diverse domains, reinforcing its versatility and reliability in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a restraint on

Focuses on the limiting aspect rather than the slowing down of something.

a check on

Implies a controlling or monitoring influence.

a curb on

Suggests a reduction or control of something.

a damper on

Emphasizes a reduction in enthusiasm or intensity.

a hindrance to

Directly points out an obstacle or impediment.

an impediment to

Highlights a more significant barrier or obstacle.

an obstacle to

Similar to 'impediment' but slightly less formal.

a drag on

Indicates something that slows down progress or development.

a constraint on

Highlights a restriction or limitation.

a slowdown of

Focuses on the action of decelerating.

FAQs

How can I use "a brake on" in a sentence?

You can use "a brake on" to describe something that slows down or restricts progress. For example, "The new regulations acted as "a brake on" the company's expansion plans."

What's a good alternative to "a brake on"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a restraint on", "a hindrance to", or "an impediment to".

Is it appropriate to use "a brake on" in formal writing?

Yes, "a brake on" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as it is widely understood and used across various contexts.

What's the difference between "a brake on" and "an accelerator of"?

"A brake on" implies slowing down or hindering progress, while "an accelerator of" suggests speeding up or facilitating progress. They are opposites in meaning.