break a complex problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break a complex problem" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing strategies for simplifying or analyzing difficult issues. For example: "To find a solution, we need to break a complex problem into smaller parts." Alternative expressions include "deconstruct a complex problem," "analyze a complex problem," and "simplify a complex problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"If you break a complex problem down into small enough parts, it becomes instantly solvable," he said.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This hierarchical approach allows the construction of a consistent framework for step-by-step decision-making, breaking a complex problem into many small less-complex ones that decision-makers can more easily deal with.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

This chapter introduces the topic of program design, which refers to the process of deciding how to break down a complex problem into simpler sub-problems.

MATLAB Programming for Biomedical Engineers and Scientists

It is an approach to decision making in which a manager breaks down a complex problem into smaller, simpler elements, forms judgments about each element separately, and then uses a formal model to turn those small judgments into an answer to the larger question.

Harvard Business Review

For Amber McDonald, CEO of Indemnis, growing a unicorn — a privately held tech startup valued at over $1 billion — means breaking down a complex problem into small goals.

Forbes

Not that they can't add and subtract six-figure numbers multiplied by whatever, but that they can take a complex problem, break it down into its pieces and figure out the best way forward.

The New York Times

Mahout uses Apache Hadoop power to solve a complex problem by breaking them up into multi-parallel tasks.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Refinery optimization is a complex problem therefore it is broken down into sub-problems which are solved independently.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Solving a complex problem often requires a way to break it down into smaller, interconnected and manageable sub-problems, and then to join them together.

Mechatronics

If you're trying to solve a complex problem, then you need to give yourself a real break, to let the mind incubate the problem all by itself.

The New Yorker

Infant mortality is a complex problem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When faced with a daunting task, use the "break a complex problem" strategy to create a series of smaller, more manageable steps. This promotes clarity and reduces feelings of overwhelm.

Common error

While it's effective to "break a complex problem" into smaller parts, avoid oversimplification. Ensure each sub-problem retains enough context to contribute meaningfully to the overall solution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break a complex problem" serves as a directive, advising a method for tackling challenging issues. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It highlights the action of segmenting something intricate into simpler components for easier handling.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break a complex problem" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the strategy of simplifying intricate issues by dividing them into smaller, more manageable parts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's frequently employed across diverse fields such as science, news, and academia. Alternatives include "decompose a complex problem", "divide a complex problem", and "simplify a complex problem". While generally applicable, it's crucial to avoid oversimplification when breaking down problems. By applying this strategy thoughtfully, one can promote clarity and effectively address challenging situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decompose a complex problem

Replaces "break" with "decompose", suggesting a more methodical approach.

divide a complex problem

Uses "divide" instead of "break", implying a separation into distinct parts.

segment a complex problem

Employs "segment", highlighting the creation of smaller, manageable sections.

simplify a complex problem

Focuses on the act of simplification rather than the process of breaking down.

reduce a complex problem to simpler terms

Adds the specification of making it simpler

deconstruct a complex problem

Uses "deconstruct", suggesting a more analytical approach to understanding the problem.

dissect a complex problem

Uses "dissect", implying a detailed examination to understand the problem's components.

tackle a complex problem in stages

Replaces "break" with "tackle in stages", shifting the focus to a step-by-step resolution.

address a complex problem incrementally

Focuses on addressing the problem gradually, one step at a time.

resolve a complex problem piece by piece

Highlights the step-by-step approach to problem-solving.

FAQs

How can I use "break a complex problem" in a sentence?

You might say, "To effectively manage this project, we need to "break a complex problem" into smaller, more actionable tasks."

What are some alternatives to "break a complex problem"?

Consider using phrases like "decompose a complex problem", "divide a complex problem", or "simplify a complex problem" for variety.

Is it better to "break down a complex problem" or "simplify a complex problem"?

Both are valid, but "break down a complex problem" focuses on dividing it into smaller parts, while "simplify a complex problem" emphasizes making it less complicated.

What does it mean to "break a complex problem"?

To ""break a complex problem"" means to divide a large, complicated issue into smaller, more manageable parts that are easier to understand and solve.