breaking barriers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breaking barriers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe overcoming obstacles or challenges, often in a social, cultural, or personal context. Example: "The organization is dedicated to breaking barriers in education for underprivileged children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"She's breaking barriers everywhere.

The New York Times - Sports

Ikenna Azuike The internet is also breaking barriers.

The Guardian

Computers and the Internet are also breaking barriers.

The New York Times - Arts

"I carry a cross-cultural flag, breaking barriers between religions," she said.

The New York Times

"For me it's about breaking barriers," Mr. Roshan said in Mumbai.

The New York Times

"It was living this afternoon because it was being used, and that use was breaking barriers.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

He broke barriers by breaking par.

Los Angeles Times

"I think it breaks barriers.

The New York Times

The film broke barriers in its use of explicit language.

Britannica

A transgender activist who broke barriers at the White House.

The Washington Post

1974 Cairo: 49 trampled to death as crowds break barriers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "breaking barriers" to highlight progress and innovation, especially when discussing social, cultural, or technological advancements. This phrase adds a sense of dynamism and positive change to your writing.

Common error

While "breaking barriers" is effective, avoid using it excessively. Vary your language with alternatives like "overcoming obstacles" or "shattering limitations" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breaking barriers" functions as a verbal phrase, often acting as part of a predicate to describe an action of overcoming obstacles or limitations. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, from social progress to technological advancements, aligned with Ludwig AI affirmation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "breaking barriers" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies overcoming obstacles and achieving progress. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific writing. While generally neutral, it can also be used in more formal settings. To avoid overuse, alternatives such as "overcoming obstacles" or "shattering limitations" can be employed. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's positive connotation and its effectiveness in emphasizing significant advancements and social change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Overcoming obstacles

Focuses on the act of successfully dealing with difficulties.

Surmounting challenges

Focuses on overcoming significant difficulties successfully.

Shattering limitations

Emphasizes the forceful removal of restrictions.

Pushing boundaries

Highlights the act of extending limits further.

Transcending boundaries

Highlights going beyond established limits or borders.

Challenging the status quo

Emphasizes questioning and resisting existing norms.

Defying conventions

Focuses on challenging established norms and practices.

Pioneering advancements

Emphasizes being the first to make progress in a particular field.

Revolutionizing approaches

Highlights a fundamental change in methods or perspectives.

Transforming landscapes

Focuses on making significant changes to a situation or environment.

FAQs

How can I use "breaking barriers" in a sentence?

You can use "breaking barriers" to describe the act of overcoming obstacles or limitations, such as: "The organization is dedicated to "breaking barriers" in education for underprivileged children".

What can I say instead of "breaking barriers"?

You can use alternatives like "overcoming obstacles", "shattering limitations", or "transcending boundaries" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "breaking barriers" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the specific context. In highly formal or academic writing, more precise language might be preferred. Evaluate whether alternatives like "overcoming obstacles" or "challenging the status quo" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "breaking barriers" and "pushing boundaries"?

"Breaking barriers" suggests a more definitive and impactful removal of obstacles, while "pushing boundaries" implies a gradual and incremental extension of limits. The choice depends on the degree of change you want to emphasize.