breeds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breeds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the production or generation of something, often in relation to animals, ideas, or conditions. Example: "The new policy breeds a culture of innovation within the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the weeks after the latest stalemate, these fears seemed to be borne out by a gamekeeper seeking permission to protect the pheasants he breeds by "controlling" buzzards.

The Guardian

So it does – the golden plover, most beautiful of British hill-birds and one of the most threatened, its numbers down by over 80% in 30 years, breeds up here, as evidenced by pale juveniles scurrying across tormentil-starred greensward away to my right.

The Guardian

The journey from war to peace has taken too long, and familiarity breeds irreverence.

The Guardian - Opinion

It breeds a special creativity that unifies bands from the region, he thinks.

The Guardian - Music

With immigrants as people, as distinct with immigration as a shorthand for a broad sense of happiness with today's Britain, familiarity usually breeds content, not contempt.

The Guardian - Opinion

Related: Cash from cassava: better breeds of the staple will boost development "I need to visually explain the facts about nutrition to women," says Kayentoo, referencing the fact that less than a third of adult women are literate in Mali.

The Guardian

This is a town that breeds invention and innovation.

The Guardian - Travel

More than a third of these dogs were Staffordshire bull terriers, though the paper reports that other breeds most often targeted included chihuahuas and German shepherds, and Kent had the highest number of thefts with 205 (figures from the Metropolitan police were not included).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This book displays the breadth of his knowledge – it has in-depth guides to breeds and cuts – as well as the extraordinary range of things you can do with a hog.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Political failure usually breeds frenzy, as we gaze in on a party eating itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Related: Cash from cassava: better breeds of the staple will boost development Members of the African Union are increasingly committed to agriculture-led growth.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the origins of traits or behaviors, use "breeds" to highlight how environments or conditions can give rise to specific outcomes, both positive and negative.

Common error

Avoid using "breeds" when simpler terms like "creates" or "causes" are more appropriate. "Breeds" often implies a more complex or systemic origin.

Linguistic Context

The term "breeds" primarily functions as a verb or noun, depending on context. As a verb, it indicates the action of causing or generating something. As a noun, it refers to plural of breed, often used to classify animals. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "breeds" functions both as a verb, meaning to cause or generate, and as a noun, referring to types or categories, particularly of animals. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing. It is frequently used in news, scientific, and business contexts to describe cause-and-effect relationships or to classify different groups. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, such as "fosters" for promoting positive development or "engenders" for natural consequences. While suitable for various registers, avoid overuse in overly simplistic contexts where more direct terms like "creates" are more appropriate. In summary, "breeds" is versatile, but mindful application ensures clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fosters

Indicates promoting the development of something, especially something positive, by providing the right conditions.

engenders

Highlights the act of causing something to exist or develop, often implying a natural or consequential emergence.

generates

Stresses the act of producing or creating something, often implying a more mechanical or systematic process.

gives rise to

Highlights the act of causing something to start or happen, often suggesting a chain reaction or sequence of events.

nurtures

Focuses on the act of caring for and promoting the growth of something, shifting from simple production to fostering development.

cultivates

Emphasizes careful development and refinement, suggesting a more intentional and controlled process of creation.

produces

A direct and neutral term for creating or yielding something, lacking the nuance of fostering or nurturing.

promotes

Focuses on actively encouraging or supporting the growth or development of something.

stimulates

Suggests encouraging activity or development, often implying an external influence that triggers a response.

creates

Implies bringing something into existence, often from nothing or from disparate elements.

FAQs

How is "breeds" used in a sentence?

The term "breeds" can refer to the plural of breed, as in "dog breeds", or as a verb indicating something that causes or generates something else, such as "poverty "breeds desperation"".

What are some synonyms for the verb "breeds"?

Synonyms include "engenders", "fosters", "generates", or "nurtures". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "breeds" instead of "causes"?

"Breeds" suggests a more complex relationship, often implying that something creates conditions that then lead to a specific outcome. "Causes" is more direct. For example, "neglect "causes suffering"", but "neglect "breeds resentment"".

Is "breeds" formal or informal language?

"Breeds" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the audience and purpose. In highly formal writing, you might choose a more precise synonym such as "promotes" or "cultivates" depending on the intended meaning.