a breakdown of order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a breakdown of order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where normal procedures or systems have failed or collapsed. Example: "The sudden breakdown of order in the city led to chaos and confusion among the residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"Ultra" football fans may just represent themselves but their confidence attests to a breakdown of order as well as the fragmentation of political life.

The Guardian

Beneath cuts a rip-tide: the sense that this is not a breakdown of order, but a new order of things.

The Guardian

The United States, Colombia, Cuba and other Caribbean countries want to stabilize Venezuela's oil exports and to prevent an escalation of violence, a breakdown of order and further floods of refugees.

The New York Times

Since a breakdown of order in the countryside would challenge the authority of the Communist Party, increasing rural incomes has become a political imperative.The stable supply and distribution of maize, rice and wheat have always been an imperial obsession.

The Economist

Better weather since last week has encouraged migrants to make the perilous journey from North Africa, where a breakdown of order in Libya has made it almost impossible to police the traffickers who pack people onto rickety boats.

Independent

It was a rare triumph for civility in a country that seems to have lost all sense of it — from music arenas to tennis courts to political gatherings to hallowed halls — and a ratification of an institution that has relied on strict codes of conduct for two centuries to prevent a breakdown of order.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

He told me that he feared "a breakdown of civil order" if the team didn't bounce back strong.

The New Yorker

Whatever their contentions about a breakdown of governmental order, however, the term "no-go zone" is best left in retirement.

The Washington Post

She worried about what would come after: maybe food shortages, a collapse of the economy, a breakdown of civil order.

The New York Times

When cruelties did occur, the report claimed, they were rare mishaps, the result of combat stress, insufficient oversight, or a "breakdown of good order and discipline".

The New Yorker

Those who would divert attention from the assassin and bomb-thrower weaken international resolve to punish lawlessness and prevent a breakdown of world order.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a breakdown of order" to describe situations where established rules, laws, or structures have failed or are no longer effective.

Common error

Avoid using "a breakdown of order" in situations that simply involve minor disagreements or temporary disorganization. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving significant systemic failures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a breakdown of order" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a state where established systems or norms have failed. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a breakdown of order" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe situations where established systems or norms have failed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it appears across various contexts, it's most common in News & Media, Science, and Academia, suggesting a neutral to formal register. Consider alternatives like "collapse of order" or "disruption of order" depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey. When using this phrase, reserve it for cases of significant systemic failures rather than minor disarray. Ludwig's analysis, supported by authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, indicates that this phrase carries significant weight and is best used to address critical situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collapse of order

Replaces "breakdown" with "collapse", emphasizing a sudden and complete failure.

disruption of order

Uses "disruption" instead of "breakdown", suggesting a disturbance rather than a complete failure.

erosion of order

Emphasizes a gradual decline in order, rather than a sudden break.

failure of governance

Focuses on the failure within a governing body or system.

state of anarchy

Implies a complete absence of governing rules or structures.

decline in stability

Highlights the loss of stability rather than specifically focusing on order.

loss of control

Focuses on the aspect of losing control over a situation or system.

social disintegration

Emphasizes the breakdown of societal structures and cohesion.

system failure

Highlights the breakdown in terms of a malfunctioning system.

organizational chaos

Focuses on the chaotic outcome in an organizational context.

FAQs

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

You can use "a breakdown of order" to describe situations where there's a collapse or significant disruption of established rules or systems. For example, "The political instability led to "a breakdown of order" in the region".

What are some alternatives to "a breakdown of order"?

Some alternatives include "collapse of order", "disruption of order", or "erosion of order", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a breakdown of order"?

It's appropriate to use "a breakdown of order" when describing events where a system, whether social, political, or organizational, experiences a significant failure of its structure and rules. It's stronger than simple disarray.

Is "a breakdown of order" a formal or informal phrase?

"A breakdown of order" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is typically used in more serious or analytical discussions, as indicated by its presence in news and academic sources.