being broken up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being broken up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is in the process of being separated or ended, often in the context of relationships or groups. Example: "After months of tension, the couple is finally being broken up by their friends who believe it's for the best."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It will also include helping families reunite after being broken up by the conflict.

Independent

Footage shows packages of illicit substances being broken up by authorities using machetes.

Independent

The altercation lasted for several minutes before being broken up by teammates and coaches.

The New York Times - Sports

The big banks aren't being broken up, the way they were in the 1930s.

The New York Times

In exchange for not being broken up, the monopoly agreed to treat all phone calls equally.

The Economist

"Inflammation, an umbrella term, is now being broken up into many different categories," Sharma told me.

The New York Times - Magazine

On a miniature scale, this was Central Park being broken up, spread among the boroughs.

The New York Times - Sports

Services once integral to family medicine are being broken up and privatised.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ideas would adhere before being broken up in cycles of contestability.

The Guardian

Long blocks of type (bor-ing!) are being broken up like that old gang of mine.

The New York Times - Magazine

Global banks need to have a fragmented anatomy to be capable of being broken up easily.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being broken up" to describe the end of a non-romantic entity too. For example, it can describe services or companies being divided.

Common error

While "being broken up" is common, in highly formal or academic writing, consider more precise alternatives like "disintegrated", "dismantled", or "dissolved" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being broken up" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject is undergoing the action of being separated or terminated. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase describes relationships ending, companies dissolving, or physical objects being dismantled.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being broken up" is a common and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to describe the act of something being separated or ended. Ludwig highlights its frequent appearance in contexts such as news, academic writing, and general discourse. While versatile, more precise alternatives might be preferred in formal settings. Ludwig AI affirms the phrase's usability, marking it as a valuable element in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being separated

Emphasizes the act of becoming distinct or divided, applicable to both physical and relational contexts.

being dismantled

Focuses on the physical deconstruction or disassembly of something, rather than relational or abstract separation.

being fragmented

Highlights the process of something being divided into smaller, disconnected parts.

being dissolved

Implies a more formal or official ending, particularly for organizations or agreements.

being disrupted

Focuses on the interruption or disturbance of a system or process, rather than a complete ending.

being disintegrated

Suggests a more forceful or complete destruction, often implying a loss of cohesion.

being terminated

Suggests a formal or official end to something, such as a contract or agreement.

being dismembered

Implies a violent or forceful separation, often associated with physical objects or entities.

being concluded

Implies a formal closure or completion, often after a period of discussion or deliberation.

coming to an end

A more general and less forceful way of expressing that something is finishing or concluding.

FAQs

How can I use "being broken up" in a sentence?

You can use "being broken up" to describe something that is in the process of being separated or ended. For example: "The band is "being broken up" due to creative differences."

What's a less common way to say "being broken up"?

Consider using "being dismantled" or "being disintegrated" if you want to emphasize the forceful or destructive aspect of the separation.

Is it appropriate to use "being broken up" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in formal contexts, you might opt for more precise terms like "being dissolved" (for organizations) or "being separated" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Which is the difference between "being broken up" and "being separated"?

"Being broken up" often implies a more definitive ending, especially in relationships, while "being separated" can suggest a temporary or less permanent division.