break down into

USAGE SUMMARY

"break down into" is a correct and common phrase that is usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of dividing something into smaller parts or elements. For example: - The scientist was able to break the complex chemical compound down into its individual components. - The lecture will break down the topic into smaller, more manageable concepts. - The team decided to break the project down into smaller tasks to make it more manageable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

These generally break down into two categories.

The New Yorker

Beyond that temperature, the chains break down into small fragments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thalidomide can break down into at least 18 metabolites.

The New York Times - Science

The apps break down into three broad categories.

The New York Times - Tech

Etonians tend to break down into two groups.

The Guardian

Mr. Silver's demands break down into three parts.

The New York Times

Photoinitiators are compounds that break down into free radicals upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The idea was to move forward and not break down into witch hunts.

The New York Times

Senate Democrats break down into roughly three groups when it comes to guns.

The New York Times

At times, it was Rochette who would break down into tears.

The New York Times - Sports

They'll break down into rubble, and the rubble will be washed away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when using "break down into". It is appropriate for many contexts, but may be too informal for highly technical or academic writing. In such cases, "be divided into" might be more suitable.

Common error

Ensure that the tense of "break down into" is consistent with the rest of your sentence. Avoid shifting between past, present, and future tenses without a clear reason.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break down into" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a process of division, separation, or analysis. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it is used to describe how complex entities can be dissected into smaller, more manageable components.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

26%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "break down into" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the division, categorization, or decomposition of something into smaller or simpler components. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and general explanations. While highly adaptable, it's important to consider the desired level of formality and audience when choosing this phrase. For more formal or technical contexts, alternatives like "be divided into" may be more appropriate. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be separated into

Highlights the act of distinguishing and setting apart different elements.

be divided into

A more formal and direct way of expressing separation into distinct parts.

be classified into

Similar to "be categorized as" but emphasizes a more systematic or scientific classification.

be categorized as

Focuses on classifying items into specific groups.

be resolved into

Implies that something complex is being simplified into its basic elements.

decompose into

Suggests a natural process of decay and separation, especially for organic matter.

be parsed into

Suggests a careful analysis to understand different parts.

disintegrate into

Implies a more forceful or destructive separation.

be fragmented into

Emphasizes the broken, splintered state of what results.

morph into

Indicates a transformation from one state to another through gradual changes.

FAQs

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

You can use "break down into" to describe the process of dividing something into smaller parts. For example, "The project will "be broken down into" several phases".

What is a good alternative to "break down into"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "be divided into", "be categorized as", or "disintegrate into".

Is it better to say "break down into" or "be broken down into"?

"Break down into" describes the action, while ""be broken down into"" is passive. Choose the one that fits the sentence structure and emphasis you want to convey.

What does "break down into" mean in a scientific context?

In science, "break down into" often refers to the decomposition of a substance into its constituent elements or simpler compounds. For example, "Plastics "break down into" microplastics over time".