breakdown of computer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breakdown of computer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a failure or malfunction of a computer system or component. Example: "The sudden breakdown of the computer caused a delay in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Kainaka, who retired from the Supreme Court in 2010, previously led investigations into the collapse of Japan Airlines, as well as a large-scale breakdown of computer systems at the bank Mizuho.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Overall, the gender breakdowns of computer science Ph.D. recipients and new faculty hires "are very close," Clauset says, which "suggests there isn't much slack in the system for intervention at the faculty hiring stage.

Science Magazine

As for humor, I assume that is what Schmidt has in mind when Pilar recognizes that the sudden breakdown of certain computer systems is a sure sign of alien intervention: "She'd heard stories about how things were in the old days, but that was a long time ago.

The New York Times - Books

Agriculture Department officials, who acknowledge that the system failed nationwide on Aug. 8, played down the threat to public safety and insisted that the breakdown of the $20 million computer system had not compromised the nation's meat supply.

The New York Times

Rather than inundate people (who hopefully remembered to save their work) with a breakdown of why their computer stopped working, it seems Microsoft has chosen to take things in a more compassionate direction.

TechCrunch

From 2009, records were entered on computer, but paper copies of all entries are printed off and kept with the older written records to avoid loss of data in the event of computer breakdown.

BMC Gastroenterology

The testing system, rushed into place to head off threatened federal sanctions under the Clean Air Act, had a series of computer and mechanical breakdowns after it opened in December 1999, and the long lines of angry drivers quickly became a political headache for then-Gov.

The New York Times

It's 48 pages with a completely new use of computer colouring, collage, beautiful drawing, complete breakdowns of traditional comic structures, and pages that were like poems or songs.

The Guardian - Books

The passengers were stranded in four airport terminals and on runways starting about 1 30 p.m. because of a breakdown in a computer system that contains names of arriving passengers and law enforcement data about them including arrest warrants, said Mike Fleming, a Customs and Border Protection spokesman.

The New York Times

My mother's lack of computer knowledge has led me to a few nervous breakdowns.

Vice

Our study shows the value of computer modeling as a tool for examining possible interventions by which to reduce cartilage collagen breakdown.

Arthritis and Rheumatology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the "breakdown of computer", be specific about the component or system that failed (e.g., "the server breakdown affected all users").

Common error

Avoid using "breakdown of computer" without specifying which part of the system failed. For example, instead of saying "the breakdown of computer caused delays", specify whether it was a hardware or software issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breakdown of computer" functions as a noun phrase, where "breakdown" acts as the head noun modified by the prepositional phrase "of computer". Ludwig indicates this is a correct and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "breakdown of computer" effectively describes a failure or malfunction in a computer system. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While "breakdown of computer" is broadly applicable, consider using more specific terms like "computer failure", "system crash", or "computer malfunction" for greater precision. In formal contexts, clarity is key. Ludwig's examples highlight real-world contexts where this phrase is used, predominantly in news and media, followed by scientific and formal business settings. Awareness of common errors, such as vagueness, enables more effective communication. The range of alternative phrases provides versatile options for expressing the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

computer malfunction

Replaces "breakdown" with a more specific term for failure.

computer failure

Uses a more general term for failure.

system crash

Specifically refers to a sudden and complete failure.

computer system failure

Adds "system" to clarify the scope of the failure.

computer outage

Focuses on the interruption of service.

computer system error

Replaces failure with error.

computer glitch

Implies a minor or temporary malfunction.

computer problem

Uses a more generic term for an issue.

technical failure

Broader term encompassing other possible failures not only in computers.

operational disruption of computer

Rephrases the concept to focus on the disruption.

FAQs

How can I describe the "breakdown of computer" in simpler terms?

You can use phrases like "computer failure", "system crash", or "computer malfunction" to describe the "breakdown of computer" in a more straightforward way.

What's the difference between a "breakdown of computer" and a "system crash"?

While both indicate a computer problem, "system crash" implies a sudden and complete failure, whereas a "breakdown of computer" can refer to a more gradual or partial malfunction.

Is it appropriate to use "breakdown of computer" in formal writing?

Yes, "breakdown of computer" is acceptable in formal writing. However, you might consider using more precise terms like "computer failure" or "system malfunction" depending on the context.

What are some causes that can lead to a "breakdown of computer"?

Causes for "breakdown of computer" include hardware failure, software bugs, power outages, overheating, or security breaches.