brake failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brake failure" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a situation where a vehicle's braking system is not functioning properly. An example: "The accident was caused by a sudden brake failure." Alternative expressions include "braking system malfunction" and "failure of the brakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Schiavi said brake failure was the suspected cause.

The New York Times

Aside from a brake failure — fortunately, with no harmful results — the Rolls has had few problems.

The New York Times

Federal regulators are investigating reports of brake failure that may affect about 420,000 Ford F-150 pickup trucks.

The New York Times

The government's complaint database lists one report, from May 2009, of brake failure in a Fusion hybrid.

The New York Times

This defect was of long standing but did not cause a brake failure for some time because an aluminum piston performed the same function.

Harvard University

A tractor-trailer crashed into a furniture store at the bottom of Avon Mountain this month after an apparent brake failure.

The New York Times

But the bus driver, a 42-year-old man described as a veteran driver, said brake failure was to blame, Lieutenant Stern said.

The New York Times

He found himself in second position at the moment that Vettel dropped out of the race from the lead with brake failure.

The New York Times - Sports

The plaintiff by appropriate procedures requested the trial court to rule that the defendants Deutschman were negligent as a matter of law because they had [251 Or. 599] failed to prove that the brake failure was legally excusable.

Harvard University

Today's announcement follows about 200 complaints in Japan and the US over a software glitch in its best-selling Prius petrol-electric hybrid that can cause temporary brake failure at low speeds on bumpy or icy roads.

The Guardian - Business

Michael Schumacher escaped with only a broken leg at Silverstone in 1999 after a brake failure sent him head-on into a tyre wall and he was racing again 98 days later.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing vehicle accidents or mechanical issues, use "brake failure" to clearly and concisely indicate a problem with the braking system. Be specific about the type of brake failure if known (e.g., hydraulic, mechanical).

Common error

Avoid attributing accidents solely to "brake failure" without investigating if the issue was a gradual degradation of brake performance (worn pads, low fluid) rather than a sudden, catastrophic event. Gradual degradation suggests maintenance issues, while sudden failure implies a different set of causes.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "brake failure" is as a noun phrase. It typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a situation where the braking system of a vehicle or machine has malfunctioned. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brake failure" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that describes a malfunction in a braking system. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as in academic and technical discussions. When using the phrase, clarity and specificity are key, and it's important to differentiate between a sudden failure and gradual degradation. Alternatives like "brake malfunction" or "loss of braking" can be used depending on the context. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively communicate about issues related to brake systems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brake malfunction

Replaces "failure" with "malfunction", indicating a fault in the brake system's operation.

brake system failure

Specifies that the entire "brake system" is failing, providing more detail.

loss of braking

Focuses on the "loss" of the ability to brake, rather than the failure of the system.

brakes not working

Uses a more informal and direct way to express that the brakes are not functional.

brake system malfunction

Combines "system" to "brake" and "malfunction" to "failure".

inoperative brakes

Uses the adjective "inoperative" to describe the brakes, indicating they are not working.

brakes failed

A shorter, more concise way of saying "brake failure".

failure in the braking system

Rephrases the original by specifying "failure in the braking system", changing the word order.

compromised braking

Implies that the braking ability is impaired, although not completely lost.

braking inefficiency

Refers to reduced effectiveness of the brakes rather than complete failure.

FAQs

How is "brake failure" typically used in a sentence?

"Brake failure" is often used to describe the cause of an accident or a mechanical issue with a vehicle. For example: "The accident was attributed to a sudden "brake failure"" or "The driver reported "brake failure" prior to the collision".

What are some alternative ways to express "brake failure"?

You can use alternatives like "brake malfunction", "loss of braking", or "inoperative brakes" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "brake failure" or "brakes failure"?

"Brake failure" is the correct and commonly used term. "Brakes failure" is less common and not grammatically standard.

What is the difference between "brake failure" and "braking inefficiency"?

"Brake failure" indicates a complete loss of braking ability, while "braking inefficiency" suggests that the brakes are working but not as effectively as they should be.