break down

USAGE SUMMARY

"break down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of something breaking-down into pieces or components, or in the figurative sense of someone becoming overwhelmed emotionally, or a process failing. For example: "Under the pressure of the deadline, Phoebe's progress quickly broke down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"They don't break down".

The New York Times

Things can break down".

The New Yorker

"Mechanical things break down, frequently".

The New York Times - Travel

The economy would break down!

The New Yorker

It helps break down barriers".

The Guardian

Computers break down.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Other plays broke down.

The New York Times - Sports

It broke down before.

The Economist

I broke down sobbing.

The New York Times

"And he breaks down".

The New Yorker

I broke down.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "break down" to mean 'analyze', follow it with what is being analyzed (e.g., "break down the data").

Common error

Avoid using "break down" without specifying the subject, especially when implying analysis. Be specific about what you are dissecting to avoid ambiguity.

How to use

Learn how to use "break down" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break down" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "break" with the particle "down" to create meanings ranging from ceasing to function to analyzing something in detail or experiencing emotional collapse. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "break down" is versatile, encompassing meanings from mechanical failure and detailed analysis to emotional collapse. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. It's frequently found in News & Media and Science, with a neutral register making it suitable for diverse communication needs. When using "break down", consider the specific context to ensure clarity, as it has multiple interpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stop functioning

Focuses on the cessation of operation, similar to one meaning of "break down".

fall apart

Implies disintegration or failure, mirroring the 'cease to function' sense of "break down".

analyze in detail

Emphasizes the thorough examination aspect, akin to "break down" meaning to dissect information.

become overwhelmed

Highlights the emotional collapse aspect, a figurative sense of "break down".

disintegrate

Stresses the physical or structural collapse implied by "break down".

succumb to pressure

Focuses on yielding under strain, related to the emotional or mental "break down".

deconstruct

Similar to analyzing in detail, but carries the idea of systematically dismantling.

lose control

Similar meaning of 'become overwhelmed', particularly in emotional contexts.

malfunction

Highlights the failure of a mechanism, similar to a machine "break down".

go to pieces

Informal way to indicate emotional collapse.

FAQs

How can I use "break down" in a sentence?

You can use "break down" in several ways, such as "The car "broke down" on the highway", "The therapist helped her "break down her feelings"", or "Let's "break down the budget"".

What does "break down" mean?

"Break down" has multiple meanings, including to stop functioning, to analyze in detail, or to become emotionally overwhelmed.

What can I say instead of "break down" (to stop functioning)?

Alternatives to "break down" when referring to something ceasing to function include "stop working", "malfunction", or "fail".

What is the difference between "break down" and "collapse"?

"Break down" can imply a gradual failure or detailed analysis, while "collapse" typically suggests a sudden and complete failure or a physical falling. Depending on the context alternatives to "break down" includes "stop functioning" or "fall apart".