brake them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brake them" is not correct in the context you might be intending.
The correct term is "break them." You can use "break them" when referring to causing something to separate into pieces or to stop functioning. Example: "If you keep pushing the limits, you might break them."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Maybe adults know how to brake them, but kids sure aren't.

The New York Times

You stand, try to focus on the speeding cars, then squint at the scoreboard when the rear parachutes pop to brake them.

The New York Times - Travel

The truck can sense distribution of weight across those wheels, and actuate the motors or brake them accordingly to maximize traction control, and automatically correct for thing like oversteer in response to weight shifts.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Most high-speed lines that are part of the European rail traffic system are covered by a GPS-based surveillance network that constantly monitors trains' speed and automatically brakes them at speed limits.

The New York Times

Most high-speed lines that are part of the European rail traffic system are covered by a G.P.S.-based surveillance network that constantly monitors trains' speed and automatically brakes them at speed limits.

The New York Times

Catapults flush with the flight deck assist in launching aircraft; for landing, aircraft are fitted with retractable hooks that engage transverse wires on the deck, braking them to a quick stop.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Indiana has already put a brake on them.

The New York Times

However, tax is a natural brake on them spending their pension fund too soon," she said.

The Guardian - Money

"This program has been a brake on them," he said, "since unfortunately drugs pour through our jungles".

The New York Times

However, tax is a natural brake on them spending their pension fund too soon," she told the Financial Times.

The Guardian - Money

But he has "mellowed" and insists the "jury is out" because "we don't know how extreme this Tory government could be if the Lib Dems weren't putting a brake on them.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to stopping a vehicle, ensure the context clarifies the specific type of "brake" being used, such as "anti-lock brakes" or "emergency brake" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "brake them" when you mean to stop or prevent an action or process in an abstract or non-vehicular context. Instead, use phrases like "stop them" or "prevent them" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brake them" functions as a verb phrase with a direct object, where "brake" is a transitive verb indicating the action of applying a brake and "them" refers to the object being braked. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is not always correct and requires careful context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "brake them" might seem straightforward, its appropriate usage is limited and context-dependent. As Ludwig AI has pointed out, it's not always correct and should be used with caution. Predominantly, it refers to the physical act of applying brakes, often in relation to vehicles. When referring to stopping a process or action in a more abstract sense, alternative phrases like "stop them" or "prevent them" are generally more suitable. Remember to distinguish "brake" from "break" to avoid grammatical errors. Using language precisely ensures clarity and professionalism in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slow them down

Focuses on reducing speed or momentum, rather than a complete halt.

Apply the brakes to them

Specifies the action of applying brakes to a particular subject using more explicit wording.

Bring them to a halt

More formal way of expressing the act of stopping something, emphasizing a controlled stop.

Check their momentum

Specifically refers to controlling the speed or force of something in motion.

Put a stop to them

Emphasizes ending or preventing something, focusing on halting an action or process.

Decelerate them

Uses a more technical term for slowing down, suitable in scientific or engineering contexts.

Halt their progress

Highlights impeding advancement or development, suitable in contexts beyond physical braking.

Curb them

Highlights restraining or controlling something, often used in the context of behaviors or actions.

Inhibit them

Focuses on preventing or restraining something, often applicable to abstract concepts.

Retard their advancement

Emphasizes delaying or hindering progress, often used in formal or technical settings.

FAQs

How can I use "brake them" correctly in a sentence?

Use "brake them" only when referring to the physical act of applying brakes to a vehicle or mechanism. For example, "The system allows the driver to "brake them" quickly in case of emergency".

What can I say instead of "brake them" when referring to stopping a process?

When you want to stop a process or action, consider using phrases like "stop them", "halt them", or "prevent them". For example, "We need to "stop them" from spreading misinformation".

Is "brake them" the same as "break them"?

"Brake" refers to slowing down or stopping with a braking mechanism. "Break", on the other hand, means to separate into pieces or to stop functioning. They are not interchangeable. For example, you wouldn't say "brake a vase" when you mean "break a vase".

When is it appropriate to use "brake" versus "break"?

"Brake" is related to stopping motion, typically with a vehicle. "Break" refers to causing something to separate into pieces or cease functioning. Choose the word that accurately reflects your intended meaning. You use a "brake" to stop; you "break" something apart.