be broken down into

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be broken down into" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining how something can be divided or categorized into smaller parts or components. Example: "The project can be broken down into three main phases: planning, execution, and evaluation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The nature of the SPSA activities meant that they could be broken down into specific tasks.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Losing weight, for example, can be broken down into chunks lots of different ways.

WikiHow

The research can be broken down into the following stages.

Construction and Building Materials

These can be broken down into subclasses and superclasses.

Data Architecture From Zen to Reality

Economic growth can be broken down into two bits.

The Economist

It can be broken down into four overlapping stages.

The New York Times

Modern capitalism can be broken down into two major eras.

Harvard Business Review

The unpopular openings can be broken down into three categories.

The New York Times

Deterrence can be broken down into two distinct types specific and general.

Crime Prevention Approaches, Practices and Evaluations

Mathematically, these models can be broken down into two classes: series reliability and parallel reliability.

Mechatronics Principles and Applications

Engineering design can be broken down into conceptual and detailed engineering design.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be broken down into" when you want to emphasize the process of dissecting a complex topic or problem into more manageable parts. This phrase is effective for outlining steps, categories, or components.

Common error

While "be broken down into" is grammatically sound, excessive use of the passive voice can make writing seem weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing with an active voice construction when appropriate to improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be broken down into" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is being divided or analyzed into smaller components or categories. According to Ludwig, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

27%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be broken down into" is a versatile and frequently used expression that serves to dissect complex topics into manageable components. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, including science, news, and academia. While synonyms like "be divided into" and "be categorized into" offer alternatives, "be broken down into" effectively conveys the process of analysis and simplification. When using this phrase, consider the potential for passive voice and ensure clarity in your writing. The phrase's widespread use and varied applications make it a valuable tool for clear and structured communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be divided into

Direct synonym focusing on the act of dividing.

be categorized into

Highlights the aspect of placing items into specific categories.

be classified into

Emphasizes a more formal or scientific classification.

be separated into

Focuses on the act of distinguishing and creating distinct parts.

be analyzed into

Highlights the process of detailed examination leading to component identification.

be dissected into

Implies a detailed and thorough examination, often in a scientific context.

be broken up into

More informal alternative, suggesting a less structured division.

be compartmentalized into

Suggests division into distinct and often isolated sections.

be resolved into

Focuses on simplifying or reducing something complex into its basic elements.

be fragmented into

Implies division into smaller, often disconnected pieces.

FAQs

How can I use "be broken down into" in a sentence?

You can use "be broken down into" to explain how a complex topic can be divided into smaller parts. For example: "The project can "be broken down into" three phases: planning, execution and evaluation."

What are some alternatives to "be broken down into"?

Alternatives include "be divided into", "be categorized into", or "be classified into", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use the active or passive voice with "be broken down into"?

While "be broken down into" is in the passive voice, it's often suitable when the focus is on the object being divided rather than the actor. However, using the active voice can sometimes be more direct and concise.

Which is more appropriate, "be broken down into" or "break down into"?

The choice depends on the sentence structure. "Be broken down into" is used in passive constructions (e.g., "The problem can "be broken down into" manageable steps"), while "break down into" is used in active constructions (e.g., "We can "break down into" manageable steps the problem").