brake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of slowing down or stopping a vehicle or machinery. Example: "Make sure to brake gently when approaching the stop sign to avoid skidding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a 9% impost on the price of power, it's a 9 billion dollar a year hand brake on our economy, it's a $550 a year hit on households.

The Guardian

If growth resumes at 2.5% or more in a private sector-led recovery, as Alexander hopes, he will be tempted to ease off the brake pedal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Stopping is another problem – first a parachute is released to slow it down, before a rear-wheel brake can bite.

The Guardian - Tech

The only democratising brake on this runaway train is for individuals to be able, in their own small way, to do the same as do other entities," he concluded.

The Guardian - Tech

In narrowly political terms, it also fits well with Clegg's late but welcome brake on the move to increase the number of children a childminder can look after.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's time we put the brake on tax breaks and subsidies for the fossil energy [that is] fuelling climate change and air pollution.

The Guardian

I apply the brake and turn to my wife.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Did that put a brake on over spending before the crash?

The Guardian

Only reduced levels of demand within the sex trade will slowly squeeze the supply pipeline and act as a brake on traffickers, as the evidence from Sweden, where punters are criminalised, suggests.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Lib Dems want to be seen as a human brake on Tory excess.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Such investments would create a short-term boost in construction and electronic employment throughout Europe and help redirect investment to knowledge-based industries.KARIN AHL President Fibre to the Home Council Europe BrusselsSIR – You argued that the German government could increase infrastructure spending because "the rules of the debt-brake are excessively rigid".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about vehicles, clarify the type of "brake" you are referencing, such as "disc brakes" or "anti-lock brakes", for technical accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "break" when you mean "brake". "Brake" refers to stopping or slowing down, while "break" means to separate or shatter.

Linguistic Context

The word "brake" functions primarily as a noun referring to a device used to slow or stop a vehicle, or as a verb meaning to apply such a device. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "brake" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, commonly used to describe the action of slowing down or stopping a vehicle, as well as metaphorical restraints. It is grammatically sound and highly prevalent across various contexts, including News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its usage is generally neutral, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. Remember to distinguish "brake" from "break" to avoid common errors. Ludwig's examples illustrate its wide application and semantic nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apply the brakes

Emphasizes the action of using the braking mechanism.

put the brakes on

Idiomatic expression for stopping or slowing something down.

bring to a halt

Highlights the complete cessation of movement.

bring to a standstill

Similar to 'bring to a halt' but emphasizes being motionless.

slow down

A more general term for reducing speed.

put a stop to

Highlights ending something entirely.

decelerate gradually

Focuses on the act of reducing speed over time.

check the speed

Focuses on controlling the velocity.

restrain progress

Refers to hindering or impeding advancement.

curtail momentum

Emphasizes reducing the driving force or energy.

FAQs

How is "brake" used in a sentence?

The word "brake" can be used as a noun, referring to a device for slowing or stopping a vehicle, or as a verb, meaning to apply the brakes. For example, "The car's brakes need replacing" or "She had to brake suddenly to avoid an accident."

What's the difference between "brake" and "break"?

"Brake" refers to a device used to slow or stop a vehicle or the act of using such a device. "Break", on the other hand, means to separate into pieces or to interrupt something. Don't confuse the two!

What can I say instead of "put the brake on"?

You can use alternatives like "hinder", "impede", or "restrain" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "brake horsepower" or "break horsepower"?

The correct term is "brake horsepower". It's a measure of an engine's power output after accounting for losses due to friction, and has nothing to do with the verb "break".