break down conventions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break down conventions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of challenging or dismantling established norms or practices in a particular field or context. Example: "The artist aimed to break down conventions in traditional painting by incorporating mixed media and unconventional techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Their designs hint that universities are organisations whose mission is to question traditional ways of thinking, to break down conventions.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We're breaking down conventions.

The Guardian - Music

Governors merely insure that the rules of justice are generally obeyed in the sort of society where purely voluntary conventions would otherwise break down.

SEP

It breaks down ballet conventions and extends City Ballet's dancers in new directions.

The New York Times - Arts

Time-honoured conventions about the "pairing" of absentee members are shattered when backstairs relations between the rival parties break down.

The Guardian

She goes to the temple of Angkor Wat, the Tintoretto Crucifixion in Venice, the Buddhist caves of Ajanta and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, as she seeks to break down the conventions that centre some religions around images, while others are seen as hostile to artistic representation.

BBC

In their book Cartographic Grounds: Projecting the Landscape Imaginary, Harvard Graduate School of Design professors Jill Desimini and Charles Waldheim break down the conventions of mapping through the centuries and show how contemporary designers can use them. .

Huffington Post

I break down.

The New Yorker

Things break down.

The New York Times - Sports

They break down.

Independent

Machines break down.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "break down conventions", ensure the context clearly indicates which specific conventions are being challenged or dismantled for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid using "break down conventions" without specifying which conventions are being addressed. Vague usage weakens the statement's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break down conventions" functions as a verb phrase where "break down" acts as a phrasal verb and "conventions" is the direct object. It typically describes the action of challenging or dismantling established norms, as Ludwig's examples suggest.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break down conventions" is a verb phrase describing the act of challenging or dismantling established norms. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonyms like "challenge established norms" and "dismantle traditional practices" exist, "break down conventions" maintains a neutral register. Remember to be specific about which conventions are being addressed to maximize clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenge established norms

Focuses on the act of questioning and disputing existing norms, rather than necessarily dismantling them.

dismantle traditional practices

Emphasizes the act of taking apart or abolishing traditional practices.

defy societal expectations

Highlights the act of resisting or going against what society typically expects.

transcend established boundaries

Suggests going beyond or exceeding the limits of existing boundaries or conventions.

rebel against conformity

Implies active resistance and opposition to conforming to societal conventions.

overthrow prevailing paradigms

Suggests a revolutionary change, replacing existing paradigms with new ones.

subvert traditional structures

Focuses on undermining or overturning existing power structures or conventions.

reimagine existing frameworks

Emphasizes the act of creatively rethinking and reshaping existing frameworks.

question accepted wisdom

Highlights the act of critically examining and challenging commonly held beliefs or assumptions.

innovate beyond tradition

Implies moving forward by creating new approaches that surpass traditional methods.

FAQs

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

You can use "break down conventions" to describe challenging or dismantling established norms. For instance, "The artist sought to "break down conventions" in painting through abstract expressionism".

What does it mean to "break down conventions"?

To "break down conventions" means to challenge, dismantle, or move beyond established norms, practices, or traditions in a particular field or context.

What are some alternatives to "break down conventions"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "challenge established norms", "dismantle traditional practices", or "defy societal expectations".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "break down conventions"?

It's appropriate in contexts discussing innovation, social change, artistic expression, or any situation where established norms are being questioned or transformed.