a broken pipeline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broken pipeline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing issues related to infrastructure, supply chains, or metaphorically in discussions about processes that are failing or not functioning as intended. Example: "The company is facing significant delays due to a broken pipeline in their supply chain, which has affected production schedules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

A broken pipeline has reduced gasoline flows by 20percentt.

The New York Times

A fragmented alliance in Europe is much more difficult to repair than a broken pipeline.

The New York Times

Inability to get to work because of a broken pipeline at Pennsylvania Station?

The New York Times

"They'd say it was a fire at a refinery, or a broken pipeline from Arizona to California, or a plant went off line for repairs.

The New York Times

But a broken pipeline can be fixed in a few days -- quite unlike any severe damage to the giant, isolated oil terminals, which are already in a state of seedy disrepair.

The New York Times

For example, without V3DM+, the manager needs to physically find a broken pipeline, which may often be installed in the ceiling, in order to acquire its specifications.

Visualization in Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

On Dec. 30, 2009, about 150,000 litres (40,000 gal) of diesel oil leaked into the Chishui and Wei rivers from a broken fuel pipeline operated by the China National Petroleum Corp.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A broken oil pipeline usually takes one to four days to repair, Mr. Shakir said, while one carrying liquid propane gas can take up to three weeks because the entire pipeline first has to be drained.

The New York Times

The first step to repair the broken pipeline is to provide an integrated, seamless pathway between basic and higher education -- often through community colleges -- that is bigger than any one recruitment season at a single institution, regardless of its scale or wealth.

Huffington Post

In addition to HHMI and Broken Pipeline, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) made a proposal of its own, announcing in February that its 2009 budget request calls for a 19.1% rise in funding for graduate education.

Science Magazine

TechHire is one way we can fix our broken pipeline and expand access to these well-paying jobs.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a broken pipeline" metaphorically, ensure the context is clear. For instance, "a broken pipeline" can refer to issues in career advancement or education systems. Clearly define what constitutes the 'pipeline' in your specific context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid relying on "a broken pipeline" as a catch-all phrase for various problems. While versatile, overuse can dilute its impact. Instead, specify the exact nature of the breakdown. For instance, instead of saying "the project failed due to a broken pipeline", detail which specific processes faltered and why.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broken pipeline" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific entity (a pipeline) that is in a state of disrepair or non-functionality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is grammatically sound. Examples in Ludwig show its application across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a broken pipeline" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a system or process that is not functioning as intended. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, it can also be found in Encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, particularly in a metaphorical sense, clarity is key to avoid ambiguity. While versatile, overuse of "a broken pipeline" can diminish its impact, therefore specify the precise nature of the breakdown. For alternatives, you can consider "a damaged pipeline" or "a faulty pipeline".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a damaged pipeline

Focuses on the physical damage to the pipeline itself.

a faulty pipeline

Emphasizes a defect or flaw in the pipeline's construction or operation.

a disrupted supply line

Highlights the interruption of the supply chain due to the pipeline issue.

a failed distribution network

Broadens the scope to the entire network responsible for distribution, not just the pipeline.

a malfunctioning conduit

Uses more technical terms to describe the pipeline's function and its failure.

an interrupted transmission system

Focuses on the transmission aspect and its cessation.

a collapsed infrastructure component

Refers to the pipeline as part of a larger infrastructure, emphasizing its breakdown.

a crippled delivery system

Emphasizes the impairment of the delivery process.

a non-operational channel

Highlights the fact that the channel (pipeline) is not working.

a disabled conduit

Emphasizes the conduit being rendered inoperable.

FAQs

What does "a broken pipeline" mean in a metaphorical sense?

Metaphorically, "a broken pipeline" refers to a process or system that is failing to deliver expected results or outputs, often due to disruptions or inefficiencies at one or more stages. It's commonly used to describe problems in career advancement, education, or supply chains.

How can I use "a broken pipeline" in a sentence?

You can use "a broken pipeline" to describe a process that is not functioning correctly. For example, "The company is addressing "a broken pipeline" in their recruitment process by streamlining their hiring procedures."

What are some alternatives to "a broken pipeline"?

Alternatives to "a broken pipeline" include "a damaged pipeline", "a faulty pipeline", or "a disrupted supply line" depending on the specific context you're describing.

Is it appropriate to use "a broken pipeline" in formal writing?

While "a broken pipeline" is generally acceptable, consider your audience and the specific context. In some formal settings, it may be more appropriate to use more precise and technical language, such as "a malfunctioning conduit" or "an interrupted transmission system" to describe the issue.