break into lumps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break into lumps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of breaking something into smaller, irregular pieces or chunks. Example: "After the dough has risen, you should break it into lumps before shaping it into rolls."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The dough will break into lumps at first.

The New York Times

After twenty-four hours, the ring started to break into lumps due to the vibration of the drive gears as shown in Figure 12(b).

Journal of Mathematics in Industry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Add the goat curd, broken into lumps.

The New York Times - Magazine

This material is broken into lumps as it is discharged from the moving grate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When a fatberg forms, a team of sewage workers have to perform keyhole surgery on the flesh and bones of London itself, sending down probes and wires to jet high-pressure water into the fatberg, breaking it into lumps.

Vice

Add the sugar and ground nuts, squeeze into lumps, then break these up a bit and scatter over the tart to give it a rough topping.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

200ml water 75g unsalted butter 1½ tsp salt 200g strong white flour 25g mustard powder 1 tsp ground allspice 5 medium eggs 150g parsnip, peeled and grated 250g cheddar or stilton, broken into hazelnut-sized lumps Put the water, butter and salt in a saucepan, and bring to a boil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Break the fish apart into lump-crab-meat size pieces with a fork.

The New York Times - Magazine

Scrape bowl with a spatula to break up lumps.

The New York Times - Food

Tear a piece of clay into lumps.

WikiHow

Use a whisk to break up lumps within the mix, until smooth.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the texture or consistency of food or materials, use "break into lumps" to vividly illustrate the process of forming small, uneven clumps.

Common error

While "break into lumps" is generally acceptable, consider whether a more specific verb (e.g., "crumble", "fragment", "clump") might provide a clearer and more descriptive image for your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break into lumps" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing the action of something separating or being divided into smaller, irregular masses. As shown in Ludwig's examples, this phrase often refers to physical transformations of materials, such as dough or chemical substances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break into lumps" is a grammatically sound and versatile verb phrase used to describe the process of something separating or being divided into smaller, irregular masses. According to Ludwig, this phrase is found in various contexts, including news, science, and general usage. While it is considered acceptable in most situations, more precise verbs might sometimes be preferable for clarity. The phrase appears with common frequency and can be confidently used to describe physical changes in various materials.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break down into smaller pieces

This is a more general way of describing the action of making something smaller.

divide into chunks

This alternative changes the target of the action from an amorphous mass to discrete pieces, while preserving the sense of dividing something.

separate into irregular masses

Highlights the unsymmetrical, shapeless character of the resulting pieces.

separate into fragments

This alternative emphasizes the creation of smaller, often disconnected parts.

reduce to fragments

Focuses on the result of decreasing the size, often due to an external force.

crumble into bits

This suggests a more fragile material that breaks apart easily.

fragment into clods

Uses a more specific term (“clods”) to denote the pieces formed.

disintegrate into pieces

This conveys a more complete and often destructive breakdown.

segment into portions

This implies a more deliberate and controlled division.

form into clumps

This alternative suggests an initial action of creation where something is transformed in small, irregular agglomerations.

FAQs

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

You can use "break into lumps" to describe the action of something separating into uneven pieces. For example, "The dough will "break into lumps" at first."

What does "break into lumps" mean?

"Break into lumps" means to separate or divide into small, irregularly shaped pieces or masses.

Are there alternative phrases to "break into lumps"?

Yes, some alternatives include "crumble into bits", "divide into chunks", or "separate into fragments", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "break into lumps"?

Yes, "break into lumps" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe the action of something separating into small, irregular masses.