break down the process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break down the process" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain or analyze a complex procedure by dividing it into simpler, more manageable parts. Example: "To understand how the software works, let's break down the process into its key components."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

How do you break down the process so it's less daunting?

The New York Times

I soon realised I could break down the process and do the audio analysis offline.

Vice

The prolonged release tablets should never be broken into halves because doing so would break down the process of gradual drug release resulting in supratherapeutic and potentially harmful plasma drug levels.

Clinical interventions in aging

Break down the process into smaller and simpler steps and gradually introduce larger changes in small increments.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Rather than being the last resort option, after negotiations with the local authority have broken down, the process of planning by appeal has become a tactic in itself.

The Guardian

At Page-Turner, another juror, Michael Cunningham, expressed similar disappointment and broke down the process by which he and the other jurors had arrived at their short list after reading over three hundred novels and short-story collections.

The New Yorker

We have six products as a result of breaking down the process of convolution taking advantage of the linear property of the convolution as we have mentioned before.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

To address that, his team broke down the process of cardiomyocyte differentiation into discrete steps, then isolated and controlled as many variables as possible.

Science Magazine

While this functionality should soon be available in some sort of cool open source UI package, the folks at HacktheiPhone have broken down the process into 23 easy to follow steps that involve downloading the iPhone restore files, hacking the crap out of them, putting your own ringtone into a folder, and uploading it.

TechCrunch

They broke down the process.

Vice

"It's easy if you make a plan: You can either vote by mail or vote early in person," Hamm says and then breaks down the process step-by-step.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When explaining a complex topic, use "break down the process" to introduce a step-by-step explanation that makes the topic more accessible to your audience.

Common error

While "break down the process" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in very informal settings. Opt for simpler language when communicating with a general audience. Alternatives like "simplify the procedure" or "explain the steps" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break down the process" functions primarily as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase. It is used to describe the action of dissecting a procedure into smaller, more understandable components. Ludwig's examples show its application in various contexts, from career advice to scientific analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "break down the process" is a useful phrase for explaining complex procedures by dividing them into smaller, more manageable steps. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, especially in news, media, and scientific publications. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing it in very informal settings, where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. When aiming for clarity, consider using this phrase to guide your audience through complex subjects, making them easier to understand and follow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simplify the procedure

Focuses on making the process less complicated.

deconstruct the method

Emphasizes a detailed analytical approach.

analyze the procedure

Highlights a systematic examination of the process.

outline the steps

Stresses providing a clear sequence of actions.

explain the mechanism

Emphasizes elucidating how the process functions.

detail the methodology

Focuses on a thorough description of the process's methods.

clarify the workings

Highlights making the operations of the process more understandable.

unpack the operation

Similar to deconstructing but more informal.

demystify the undertaking

Focuses on removing confusion about the process.

elucidate the progression

Emphasizes illuminating the sequence of events in the process.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "break down the process" for variety?

You can use alternatives like "simplify the procedure", "analyze the method", or "outline the steps" depending on the specific context.

Is "break down the process" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "break down the process" is generally suitable for formal writing, especially when explaining complex subjects. However, consider alternatives such as "deconstruct the method" for an academic context.

What does it mean to "break down the process"?

To "break down the process" means to divide a complex procedure or task into smaller, more manageable steps in order to understand or explain it more easily.

When should I use "break down the process" instead of "simplify the process"?

"Break down the process" is best used when you are explaining the steps of a complex procedure. "Simplify the process" /s/simplify+the+process target="_blank" rel="nofollow">simplify the process is more appropriate when you are reducing the complexity of a task itself.