are breaking down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are breaking down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process of deterioration or failure, often in the context of systems, relationships, or physical objects. Example: "The old car is showing signs of wear and tear; it seems that the engine are breaking down."

✓ Grammatically correct

Taboos are breaking down

Machines are breaking down

Their cars are breaking down

Relationships are breaking down under stress

Their families are breaking down around them

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Taboos are breaking down.

The New Yorker

Machines are breaking down.

The New York Times

Their cars are breaking down.

University of California, Berkeley

Relationships are breaking down under stress.

The New York Times

Their families are breaking down around them.

Independent

"Order, discipline and obedience are breaking down.

The Economist

The sanctions are breaking down.

The New York Times

"These things are breaking down.

The Guardian - Books

Additionally, traditional career patterns are breaking down.

The New York Times

I actually don't think that we are breaking down.

Yale University

The boundaries that encapsulated traditional literary studies are breaking down.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are breaking down" to describe a process where something is failing, deteriorating, or losing its effectiveness. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is undergoing this process.

Common error

Avoid using "are breaking down" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise and sophisticated language might be expected. Instead, opt for terms like "are deteriorating" or "are failing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are breaking down" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of deterioration, failure, or disintegration. Ludwig confirms its proper usage across a wide array of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

13%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are breaking down" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase to describe a process of deterioration or failure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to consider more precise alternatives in highly formal or technical settings. Common errors include overuse in formal contexts where more sophisticated vocabulary might be preferred. The phrase finds use in describing machines, relationships, systems and other things that are currently in a declining state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are deteriorating

Focuses on the process of becoming worse over time.

are failing

Indicates a lack of success or effectiveness in functioning correctly.

are collapsing

Emphasizes a sudden and complete failure or loss of effectiveness.

are falling apart

Highlights the physical or metaphorical disintegration into pieces.

are crumbling

Suggests a gradual decline, often associated with structures or systems.

are disintegrating

Implies a breakdown into smaller components or elements.

are declining

Highlights a decrease in quality, quantity, or importance.

are eroding

Focuses on the gradual wearing away or destruction of something.

are decaying

Suggests a process of decomposition or rotting, often used for organic matter.

are regressing

Implies a return to a less developed or less desirable state.

FAQs

What does "are breaking down" mean?

The phrase "are breaking down" means that something is deteriorating, failing, or losing its effectiveness. It can refer to physical objects, systems, relationships, or even abstract concepts.

How can I use "are breaking down" in a sentence?

You can use "are breaking down" to describe various situations, such as "The machines "are breaking down" due to lack of maintenance" or "Relationships "are breaking down" under the stress of the situation".

What can I say instead of "are breaking down"?

You can use alternatives like "are deteriorating", "are failing", or "are collapsing" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "are breaking down" or "are falling apart"?

The choice between "are breaking down" and "are falling apart" depends on the context. "Are breaking down" implies a more general failure or deterioration, while "are falling apart" suggests a physical disintegration or fragmentation.