about the breakdown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about the breakdown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation, event, or issue related to a failure or collapse of a system, process, or relationship. Example: "We need to have a meeting to talk about the breakdown in communication between departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For politicians worried about the breakdown of the traditional family model, that ought to be reassuring.

The Economist

He had nothing to say about the breakdown in the security forces.

The New Yorker

" 'Bowling Alone' is about the breakdown of social capital in this country," he said.

The New York Times

I just remain concerned about the breakdown area, something I have spoken of consistently".

Independent

"It's about the breakdown in communications or the lack of understanding of responsibilities".

The New York Times

This is a play about the breakdown of society in contemporary Russia.

The Guardian

My mum's a Hackney girl and she talks often about the breakdown of those communities.

The Guardian

We've been banging on as endlessly about the breakdown as about the possible team selection.

The Guardian - Sport

Critics of "Huckleberry Finn" often complain about the breakdown of plot.

The New York Times - Books

He began to open up to us, explaining about the breakdown he had been through.

The Guardian - Books

I asked Mubarak how concerned he was about the breakdown of law and order in the Gaza Strip.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "about the breakdown", ensure the context clearly defines what is failing or collapsing. Be specific (e.g., "about the breakdown of negotiations" not just "about the breakdown").

Common error

Avoid using "about the breakdown" without sufficient context. Instead of saying "the article is about the breakdown", specify what is breaking down such as "the article is about the "breakdown of communication"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about the breakdown" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to introduce or specify the topic of discussion. It indicates that the subsequent content will focus on the analysis, causes, or consequences of a failure or collapse. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about the breakdown" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce a discussion or analysis of a failure or collapse. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly specifies what is failing. Alternatives like "concerning the failure" or "regarding the collapse" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. This makes "about the breakdown" a versatile and informative phrase in many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerning the failure

Replaces "breakdown" with "failure", emphasizing the lack of success or proper functioning.

regarding the collapse

Substitutes "breakdown" with "collapse", highlighting a sudden fall or loss of structure.

relating to the disintegration

Emphasizes the process of falling apart or losing cohesion.

pertaining to the rupture

Focuses on a sudden break or tear, whether literal or figurative.

concerning the deterioration

Highlights the process of something becoming worse or decaying.

regarding the decay

Similar to deterioration but often implies a more natural or organic process.

relating to the dismemberment

Suggests a forceful separation or division into parts.

pertaining to the apportionment

Focuses on the division or allocation of something, often resources or responsibilities.

concerning the breakup

Specifically refers to the end of a relationship or partnership.

regarding the disruption

Highlights the disturbance or interruption of a normal process or state.

FAQs

How can I use "about the breakdown" in a sentence?

You can use "about the breakdown" to introduce the topic of a failure or collapse, such as "The report is "about the breakdown" of the peace talks" or "The discussion centered "about the breakdown" in communication".

What are some alternatives to saying "about the breakdown"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "concerning the failure", "regarding the collapse", or "relating to the disintegration" as alternatives to "about the breakdown".

Is it grammatically correct to say "about the breakdown"?

Yes, "about the breakdown" is grammatically correct when used to introduce or describe the subject of a failure or collapse. It functions as a prepositional phrase clarifying the topic at hand.

What's the difference between "about the breakdown" and "concerning the failure"?

While similar, "about the breakdown" generally refers to the process or analysis of something failing. "Concerning the failure" /s/concerning+the+failure, however, places more emphasis on the state of being failed or the event of the failure itself.