a breakdown of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a breakdown of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a detailed list of components, parts, or elements of something. For example, "I requested a breakdown of the company's expenses for the last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A breakdown of cultural authority.

The New York Times - Arts

A breakdown of law and order.

The Guardian

Doll gave a breakdown of the list.

The New Yorker

Here's a breakdown of the other types.

The New York Times

Fairfax has also published a breakdown of the "key exchanges".

The Guardian

I asked TfL for a breakdown of that £55 million.

The Guardian

Ask for evidence of repairs or a breakdown of charges.

The Guardian - Money

He could not provide a breakdown of those trips.

The New York Times

First, it represented a breakdown of the legal system.

The New Yorker

A breakdown of this year's bracketed book tournaments.

The New Yorker

Below is a breakdown of picks, region-by-region.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that all components in "a breakdown of" something add up to the total. This maintains accuracy and credibility, avoiding confusion or misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid providing "a breakdown of" something without including all relevant components. An incomplete breakdown can mislead the audience and undermine the analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a breakdown of" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a detailed list, analysis, or categorization of something. It commonly acts as a noun modifier, providing specific information about the noun it modifies. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a breakdown of" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a detailed analysis or listing of components. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, including News & Media and Science. Its purpose is to enhance understanding by presenting information in an organized way. When using "a breakdown of", it's essential to ensure completeness and clarity, utilizing visual aids where appropriate. Alternatives include "an analysis of" and "a detailed account of", offering similar but nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an analysis of

Focuses on detailed examination rather than just separation into parts.

a detailed account of

Emphasizes a thorough and comprehensive description.

a dissection of

Implies a critical and analytical examination.

a categorization of

Focuses on classifying items into distinct groups.

an itemization of

Suggests a detailed list where each item is individually noted.

a segmentation of

Highlights the division of something into distinct segments or parts.

a listing of

Implies a simple enumeration or inventory of items.

a register of

Indicates a formal record or list of items.

a specification of

Highlights precise and detailed requirements or characteristics.

a distribution of

Focuses on how something is spread or allocated among different categories.

FAQs

How can I use "a breakdown of" in a sentence?

You can use "a breakdown of" to introduce a detailed list or analysis of components. For example, "Here's "a breakdown of" the project's expenses."

What are some alternatives to "a breakdown of"?

Alternatives include "an analysis of", "a detailed account of", or "a listing of", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a breakdown of" or "an analysis of"?

The choice depends on the context. "A breakdown of" is suitable when you're listing components, while "an analysis of" implies a more in-depth examination and interpretation of the data.

How do I present "a breakdown of" data effectively?

Use clear headings and subheadings, and consider visual aids like charts or tables. Ensure that all components are clearly labeled and that the total adds up correctly.