breaking upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breaking upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is suddenly or forcefully arriving or occurring, often in a dramatic or impactful way. Example: "The waves were breaking upon the shore, creating a mesmerizing display of foam and spray."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Thoreau makes light of most men's need to work, and ignores the wave of industrial toil that was breaking upon New England.

The Guardian - Books

"(I) believe that we took all the appropriate steps that we could to try to survive the storm that was breaking upon us.

The Guardian - Business

Now they leave their university preparation to enter teaching just as these matters are fully breaking upon our schools.

Huffington Post

Tip modification: Once pulled, the tip opening of the double-barreled microelectrode was <0.5 μm; this small tip is very thin walled and prone to breaking upon penetration of the leaf.

Biological Procedures Online

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

As the waves broke upon us, the hull boards bellied and bowed, straining against the pressure.

The New York Times - Magazine

The latest involves steel bolts that broke upon being tightened, further delaying the opening.

The New York Times

"The storm may break upon us at any moment," he told the administration.

The New York Times

"Colonel Moray!" Running feet approached and Rory broke upon them, taking little notice this time of their close position.

The Guardian - Books

Several small French cavalry charges broke upon a line of pointed stakes in front of the English archers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because the projectiles break upon impact, they usually do not cause permanent injury, even when fired at close range.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But by 1637 both began to see, dimly, the storm that was about to break upon them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "breaking upon" to describe the sudden and forceful arrival of an event, idea, or force. It's particularly effective when conveying a sense of dramatic impact or unexpected occurrence.

Common error

Avoid using "breaking upon" in overly passive constructions, which can weaken the impact of your writing. Instead, focus on active voice to highlight the agent or cause of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breaking upon" functions as a compound verb, often used to describe the arrival or impact of something significant. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. Examples show it describing both literal impacts (waves) and metaphorical ones (news, events).

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Wiki

2.5%

Formal & Business

2.5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "breaking upon" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that describes the sudden and forceful arrival or impact of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's usable in written English. While the phrase isn't exceedingly common, appearing with moderate frequency, it often serves to create a sense of dramatic impact or unexpected occurrence, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. Alternatives like "descending on" or "impacting on" can be used to convey similar meanings. Avoid overuse in passive constructions to maintain writing strength.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falling upon

Emphasizes the act of something falling or befalling a person or place.

descending on

Focuses on the arrival or descent of something onto a location or group.

impacting on

Emphasizes the effect or influence something has when it arrives or occurs.

crashing into

Suggests a violent collision or forceful impact.

sweeping over

Highlights a widespread and rapid movement or influence.

overtaking

Highlights the act of something surpassing or overwhelming.

washing over

Implies a spreading or enveloping effect, often associated with emotions or sensations.

flooding

Suggests an overwhelming abundance or influx.

engulfing

Focuses on something being completely surrounded or consumed.

overwhelming

Focuses on the intensity and overpowering nature of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "breaking upon" is often used to describe the forceful arrival or impact of something. For example, "The news of the scandal was "breaking upon" the company, causing widespread panic."

What are some alternatives to "breaking upon"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "descending on", "impacting on", or "falling upon" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more correct to say "breaking upon" or "breaking on"?

While both phrases can be used, "breaking upon" typically implies a more significant or impactful arrival, while "breaking on" is more commonly used for physical impacts, like waves "breaking on" the shore.

What is the difference between "breaking upon" and "washing over"?

"Breaking upon" suggests a sudden and often forceful arrival, whereas "washing over" implies a gradual and enveloping experience or sensation.