almost breaks down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost breaks down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or system that is on the verge of failure or collapse but has not yet completely failed. Example: "The project was so poorly managed that it almost breaks down under the weight of its own expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Impulsively, Panahi acts out an unproduced screenplay, on the theme of incarceration, marking approximate set outlines with tape on the floor, but then almost breaks down with anguish and frustration.

The Guardian - Film

There's a fascinating scene in which Dowd – whose self-pitying and sentimental sense of his own cop identity never entirely leaves him – almost breaks down in tears recounting the death of another officer, shot by villains.

The Guardian - Film

The archaeological appassionato is so in love with his homeland that he almost breaks down while extolling its attributes: from the beauty of the language ("when people speak in Sard, they say things that break your heart") to the "open-air museum" of its ancient ruins.

The Guardian - Travel

The rhetorical grandeur of Britten's score at this point, compared to the rest of the cycle, has clear practical roots in the scoring - chamber orchestra, rather than the strings, plus soloist of the earlier movements - but it is used to convey something rather clotted; the overwhelming sense is of struggle, and at one point the vocal line almost breaks down ("when in dead night").

The Guardian - Music

There's a method to his madness, and there is a lot of madness". Firestone said that during the interview Knight almost breaks down.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I almost broke down".

The New York Times

The economy is in tatters, regions are in revolt and the government has almost broken down.

The New York Times

"They almost broke down the door to get in," she said.

The Guardian

There were seven to eight times that I almost broke down.

The Guardian

The Fighting Irish players stormed out of the locker room, almost breaking down the doors in the process.

The New York Times - Sports

Boehner, an emotional man who has cried several times in public, almost broke down again during his short speech.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where something is on the verge of failing, use "almost breaks down" to convey the sense of impending collapse or emotional distress, adding vividness to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "almost breaks down" excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "nearly collapses" or "is on the verge of collapse" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost breaks down" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of near failure or collapse. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase describes a situation that is on the verge of failing but hasn't yet completely done so. Examples in Ludwig show it applying to both emotional and physical states.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost breaks down" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something on the verge of failure or collapse. It functions as a verb phrase and is used to express vulnerability and impending negative outcomes. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While several authoritative sources use this expression, it's crucial to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "nearly collapses" or "is on the verge of collapse" for variety. Understanding its implications helps enhance writing with vivid and precise descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly collapses

Focuses more on the physical or structural aspect of failing.

is on the verge of collapse

Emphasizes the imminence of failure.

is about to fail

Directly states the impending failure.

teeters on the brink

Suggests instability and the high possibility of falling apart.

is close to breaking point

Highlights the stress or pressure leading to a potential breakdown.

nearly succumbs

Implies giving way to pressure or emotion.

is nearing its end

Indicates the approaching termination of something.

almost falls apart

Similar to collapsing but can also refer to emotional states.

approaches breakdown

Highlights the process leading to a breakdown.

is on the edge of ruin

Focuses on the catastrophic consequences of failing.

FAQs

How can I use "almost breaks down" in a sentence?

You can use "almost breaks down" to describe a situation or system that is on the verge of failure. For example: "The old car "almost breaks down" on steep hills".

What are some alternatives to "almost breaks down"?

Alternatives include "nearly collapses", "is on the verge of collapse", or "is about to fail", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "almost breaks down"?

Yes, the phrase "almost breaks down" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe something nearing failure or collapse.

What is the difference between "almost breaks down" and "completely breaks down"?

"Almost breaks down" implies that something is on the verge of failing but hasn't yet, while "completely breaks down" means it has already failed.