breaks down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breaks down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process of analysis, disintegration, or failure of a system or component. Example: "The engineer breaks down the complex problem into smaller, manageable parts to find a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"And he breaks down".

The New Yorker

Infiltration breaks down trust.

The New York Times

When it breaks down, everything breaks down.

The Guardian - Books

Opalesque breaks down the report.

The New York Times

Breaks down her monthly income.

The New Yorker

Command and control breaks down.

The New York Times

"He breaks down in tears".

The New Yorker

"It breaks down gang barriers.

The New York Times

Time breaks down the odds.

The New Yorker

Then the boiler breaks down.

The New Yorker

A man breaks down.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "breaks down" to describe an analysis, ensure clarity by specifying what is being analyzed and the purpose of the analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "breaks down" without providing sufficient context. Instead of saying "The system breaks down", specify how or why the system fails, such as "The system breaks down due to insufficient memory" or "The system breaks down because of a coding error".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breaks down" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It is used to describe a process of disintegration, analysis, or failure. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is versatile, appearing in contexts ranging from physical malfunctions (e.g., "The car breaks down") to abstract concepts (e.g., "The argument breaks down").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

17%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "breaks down" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe disintegration, analysis, or failure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and formal contexts. While "breaks down" is generally neutral in register, its precise meaning depends on the surrounding context. For effective communication, ensure clarity by specifying what is being analyzed or what is failing. Alternatives such as "falls apart", "disintegrates", or "analyzes" can provide greater precision depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falls apart

Indicates a failure of something to hold together, either physically or metaphorically.

disintegrates

Suggests a complete falling apart or decomposition into constituent parts.

crumbles

Implies a gradual disintegration or collapse, often of something solid.

collapses

Suggests a sudden and complete failure or breakdown.

decomposes

Refers to the process of organic matter decaying and breaking down.

ceases to function

Indicates that something has stopped working or operating effectively.

analyzes

Signifies a detailed examination to understand the components of something.

fails

Indicates an inability to function or succeed.

itemizes

To present as a list of individual items or components.

categorizes

To divide into specific types or categories.

FAQs

How can I use "breaks down" in a sentence?

You can use "breaks down" to describe something that disintegrates, fails, or is analyzed into smaller parts. For example: "The machine "breaks down" frequently", "The analyst "breaks down" the data", or "The relationship "breaks down" under pressure".

What are some alternatives to using "breaks down"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "disintegrates", "falls apart", "analyzes", or "fails".

Is it more appropriate to use "breaks down" or "falls apart"?

While both phrases indicate a form of failure or disintegration, "breaks down" can also refer to a structured analysis or simplification. "Falls apart" generally implies a more chaotic or sudden failure. Use "breaks down" when referring to a process of analysis or a gradual deterioration, and "falls apart" when emphasizing sudden failure.

What does it mean when a peace process "breaks down"?

When a peace process "breaks down", it means that negotiations or agreements have failed, leading to a cessation of peaceful efforts and potentially a return to conflict. This suggests that the established structures or understandings have disintegrated, making further progress impossible. Similar phrases could be that the peace process "collapses" or "fails".