break a business

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break a business" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is discussing the act of causing a business to fail or become non-functional. Example: "If we don't adapt to the changing market, we risk breaking the business entirely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Choosing the right name can make or break a business.

The Guardian

In a cutthroat industry, this kind of intelligence gathering can make or break a business.

The New York Times - Food

The approach an owner chooses can make or break a business.

The New York Times

The success of a first product can make or break a business.

The Guardian

A handshake in a corporate box at the football can make or break a business deal.

The Guardian

Preparing properly can make or break a business and this is never truer than when entering foreign markets.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The question is whether these trends undermine the quality of books which are being published, by breaking a business model that has let firms focus on variety and range.

The Economist

As such, it builds on past management thinking, including business process re-engineering (with its emphasis on breaking a business down to its component parts in order to streamline the processes) and outsourcing (with its focus on highlighting core strengths and hiving the more commodity-like facets to specialist providers).

Independent

Cash flow makes or breaks a business, and a healthy one promotes employment.

Huffington Post

Some of the large retail chains and companies demand payment terms that can break a small business.

The Guardian

If Google traffic converts to just $2,000 in revenue per month, that could make or break a small business with slim margins.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "break a business", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "ruin", "bankrupt", or "damage" may be more precise depending on the context.

Common error

While "break a business" is acceptable, it can sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "hurt the business" or "cause problems for the business" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break a business" functions as a verb phrase where "break" is the verb and "a business" is the direct object. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its usability in contexts involving the failure or disruption of a business.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break a business" is a commonly used expression that means to cause a business to fail or suffer significant damage. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register. While acceptable, alternatives such as "ruin a business" or "damage a business" may be more precise depending on the intended nuance. When writing, consider the context and audience, and avoid overuse in informal settings. By understanding these nuances, writers can use "break a business" effectively and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ruin a business

Implies a complete destruction or downfall of the business.

bankrupt a business

Specifically refers to the business becoming financially insolvent.

destroy a business

Suggests a more forceful or sudden end to the business.

cripple a business

Highlights a severe weakening of the business, making it difficult to operate.

undermine a business

Indicates a gradual weakening of the business from within or through external factors.

sabotage a business

Implies intentional actions to cause the business to fail.

damage a business

Suggests harm to the business without necessarily causing it to fail completely.

shut down a business

Refers to the complete cessation of operations.

sink a business

Suggests a more passive or inevitable failure.

topple a business

Implies the business has been forcibly overthrown, often from a position of prominence.

FAQs

What does it mean to "break a business"?

To "break a business" means to cause it to fail, become non-functional, or cease operations. It suggests a significant negative impact that leads to the downfall of the business.

What can I say instead of "break a business"?

You can use alternatives like "ruin a business", "bankrupt a business", or "damage a business" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "break a business" or "break into a business"?

"Break a business" refers to causing a business to fail. "Break into a business" means to enter a specific industry or market.

Is "break a business" too strong of a phrase to use?

It depends on the context. "Break a business" implies a significant negative impact. If you want to convey a less severe effect, consider using alternatives like "harm a business" or "affect a business".