a key breakdown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key breakdown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important or significant failure, collapse, or analysis of a situation or system. Example: "The report highlighted a key breakdown in communication between departments that led to the project's failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The new test, for example, measures a key breakdown product, phenyl acetate, which is excreted in the urine.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ulster hooker Rory Best had no complaint with the performance of referee John Lacey but Anscombe did hint at unhappiness with the Munster man's interpretation of the key breakdown exchanges.

BBC

The man in the next room is delivering a low-key breakdown of the political realities of post-Katrina New Orleans, advising his host, an aspirant to the City Council, on strategy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The Nets improved in that area Thursday, outrebounding the Clippers, 51-39, and getting 18 offensive rebounds, but they had key breakdowns in the fourth quarter.

The New York Times - Sports

The lack of understanding on that issue was a key to the breakdown of the talks, participants on both sides said.

The New York Times

Interestingly, some flavin-containing dehydrogenases also play a key role in cellulose breakdown by directly/indirectly "fueling" electrons for polysaccharide monooxygenase activation.

Biotechnology Advances

Or the production of hydroxyl radicals by forests which are thought to play a key role in the breakdown of atmospheric pollutants?

Huffington Post

These data all point to a key role for starch breakdown during the process of cold acclimation.

Plosone

The cellulosome is a multi-enzyme machine, which plays a key role in the breakdown of plant cell walls in many anaerobic cellulose-degrading microorganisms.

Plosone

Hospital handoffs are believed to be a key locus of communication breakdown that can endanger patient safety and undermine quality of care.

Critical Care

It's a key indicator of metabolic breakdown taking place, which indicates a movement towards Type 2 Diabetes.[16].[16]

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key breakdown", ensure the context clearly identifies what is breaking down and why it is significant. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a key breakdown" in overly casual or informal settings. Opt for simpler language unless you specifically want to convey a sense of formality or critical analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key breakdown" primarily functions as a noun phrase, identifying a significant instance of failure, collapse, or analytical point. As Ludwig AI states, it highlights an important failure, collapse, or analysis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a key breakdown" denotes a significant failure, collapse, or analysis point. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. While not exceptionally common, it finds use in professional and formal settings, particularly within news, science, and business. Alternatives such as "a major failure" or "a critical collapse" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies what is breaking down and its significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major failure

Emphasizes the magnitude of the failure.

a critical collapse

Highlights the sudden and severe nature of the failure.

a crucial failure point

Highlights the point at which the failure occurred.

a pivotal malfunction

Emphasizes the importance of the malfunction in a system.

an important disruption

Focuses on the disruptive impact of the breakdown.

a fundamental flaw

Indicates a deep-seated problem or weakness.

a primary deficiency

Highlights the main shortcoming or inadequacy.

a significant analysis

Shifts the focus to the detailed examination of something.

a central impediment

Focuses on the breakdown as a hindrance or obstacle.

a decisive turning point

Emphasizes the shift or change resulting from the breakdown.

FAQs

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

You can use "a key breakdown" to describe a significant failure or analysis point. For instance, "The investigation revealed "a key breakdown" in security protocols."

What are some alternatives to "a key breakdown"?

Alternatives include "a major failure", "a critical collapse", or "a significant analysis", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it better to say "key breakdown" or "a key breakdown"?

While "key breakdown" is sometimes used, including the article "a" generally improves the grammatical flow and clarity, especially when referring to a specific instance or event.

What does "a key breakdown" imply in a technical context?

In technical contexts, "a key breakdown" often refers to a critical failure in a system, process, or component that has significant consequences for its operation or performance.