a complete breakdown of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complete breakdown of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to describe a detailed analysis or explanation of a particular subject or issue. Example: "The report provides a complete breakdown of the company's financial performance over the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A complete breakdown of sense of privacy.

The New Yorker

We're talking about a complete breakdown of identifying with Europe.

The Guardian - Business

One danger is a complete breakdown of central authority.

The Economist

But it also reflects a complete breakdown of the safeguards that are supposed to protect investors.

The New York Times

"This has led to a complete breakdown of trust and confidence," thundered her dismissal letter.

The Guardian

"There's been a complete breakdown of trust between Germans and Greeks," one European diplomat said.

The Guardian

It's total starvation over a long period of time, a complete breakdown of bodies.

The New Yorker

"What happened here is a complete breakdown of the way the system is supposed to work".

The New York Times

A complete breakdown of the house of Habsburg threatened, but Maximilian was ultimately released.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Police chief Suleiman Lawal said on Sunday there had been a "complete breakdown of law and order".

The Guardian

Percival Lowell, the astronomer who wrote several books on Mars, at least once experienced a "complete breakdown of the machine".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a complete breakdown of", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a failure or a detailed analysis. The surrounding words will usually convey the intended meaning.

Common error

While "a complete breakdown of" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "thorough analysis" or "detailed examination" to add variety and sophistication to your prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete breakdown of" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes either a comprehensive analysis or a state of failure, depending on the context. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a complete breakdown of" is a versatile term with two primary meanings: a comprehensive analysis or a total failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, the context determines which meaning is intended. It's commonly found in news and media, as well as in scientific and formal business contexts. While grammatically correct and widely used, varying your vocabulary by using synonyms like "a thorough analysis of" or "a total collapse of" can enhance your writing. Be mindful of overuse to maintain clarity and sophistication in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thorough analysis of

Emphasizes a detailed and comprehensive examination rather than a collapse or failure.

a detailed examination of

Similar to a thorough analysis, highlighting the depth of the investigation.

a comprehensive review of

Focuses on covering all aspects of a subject, differing from the negative connotation of breakdown.

a full disintegration of

Conveys a sense of complete collapse or falling apart, emphasizing the destructive aspect.

a total collapse of

Highlights the complete failure of a system or structure.

a systematic decomposition of

Implies a methodical analysis by breaking down a subject into its constituent parts.

an exhaustive account of

Focuses on a very detailed and thorough description, rather than a failure.

a root-and-branch reform of

Signifies a fundamental and complete overhaul, shifting focus from failure to correction.

a fine-grained explanation of

Stresses the level of detail and granularity in the explanation.

a granular inspection of

Implies looking at every detail, which is slightly different than examining a high-level failure.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complete breakdown of" to describe either a comprehensive analysis or a total failure. For example, "The report provides "a complete breakdown of" the company's finances," or "There was "a complete breakdown of" communication between the departments."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a thorough analysis of", "a detailed examination of", or "a total collapse of".

Is "a complete breakdown of" formal or informal?

"A complete breakdown of" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although in formal writing, you might consider more precise alternatives like "a comprehensive review of" for analysis or "a full disintegration of" to indicate complete failure.

How does the meaning of "a complete breakdown of" change depending on the context?

The meaning of "a complete breakdown of" shifts based on context. In technical or analytical contexts, it suggests a thorough and detailed analysis. In other scenarios, it indicates a failure or collapse. For instance, "a complete breakdown of trust" implies a failure in relationships, while "a complete breakdown of expenses" implies a detailed itemization.