almost broke down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'almost broke down' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone or something was close to becoming overwhelmed with emotion or distress. For example, "After months of hard work, he almost broke down when he heard he had been given the promotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"I almost broke down".

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

Mr. Schreier, it is no pleasure to report, sang with fractured tone through much of the evening and almost broke down in his second aria.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Wehling replied that at "our very first meeting" in 1998, the consortium "almost broke down" on the definition of family, adding: "What we agreed on was not to get into the trap of defining it.

The New York Times

There were a couple of times I almost broke down and I was almost thinking to myself: 'Joe [Girardi], get me out of here before I do something that costs us this game.... Look, I have emotions I just think I have a pretty good poker face.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Sports

There is a sense of their hugeness, which you get less of outside, and a tension, because you get the feeling they can almost break down the building".

The New York Times - Arts

Relations between broadcaster Channel 4 and production group Endemol Shine have almost broken down over the right to broadcast Charlie Brooker's show Black Mirror in the UK.

The Guardian

He even confesses to almost breaking down on the field towards the end of a Test against the world champions New Zealand.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is X Games," said White, 20, adding that he had almost broken down in tears with his family in the crowd.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: This phrase can apply to both people and systems/objects, so ensure the usage aligns logically with the subject.

Common error

While "almost broke down" is widely understood, overuse in formal writing can diminish its impact. Opt for stronger, more precise vocabulary if the situation requires a more professional tone. For example, use "nearly failed" instead of "almost broke down" in formal business reports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost broke down" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action that nearly occurred but was ultimately avoided. As Ludwig AI indicates, it commonly describes a near emotional collapse. The examples from Ludwig show its usage in describing both emotional states and physical conditions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

17%

Arts

17%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "almost broke down" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to express a near emotional or structural collapse. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for describing intense situations where someone or something narrowly avoids failure. While versatile, it's advisable to consider the context and opt for more precise vocabulary in formal settings. The phrase is particularly frequent in news and media, sports, and arts contexts, making it a valuable addition to your expressive toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was on the verge of tears

Focuses specifically on the imminence of crying.

almost reached the breaking point

Directly references the point at which a breakdown occurs.

nearly succumbed to tears

Emphasizes the nearness to crying, focusing on the emotional aspect.

nearly fell apart

Describes a state of disintegration that was narrowly avoided.

almost lost control

Highlights the potential loss of emotional or behavioral regulation.

was close to being overwhelmed

Highlights the feeling of being overloaded and near the breaking point.

came close to collapsing

Suggests a physical or emotional breakdown was narrowly avoided.

was about to crumble

Implies a weakening state leading to a potential breakdown.

came close to failing

Shifts the focus to a potential failure, not necessarily emotional.

teetered on the brink

Evokes a sense of instability before a fall or breakdown.

FAQs

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

You can use "almost broke down" to describe a situation where someone or something nearly collapsed emotionally or structurally. For instance, "After the difficult performance, the singer "almost broke down" in tears."

What does "almost broke down" mean?

The phrase "almost broke down" signifies that someone or something was very close to collapsing, either emotionally or physically, but managed to avoid it. It suggests a high degree of stress or pressure.

What can I say instead of "almost broke down"?

You can use alternatives like "was on the verge of tears", "nearly lost control", or "came close to collapsing" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "almost broke down" is grammatically correct. "Almost" is an adverb modifying the verb phrase "broke down", indicating the action was nearly completed. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules.