can be broken down into

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be broken down into" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the process of analyzing or dividing something into its component parts or simpler elements. Example: "The complex theory can be broken down into several key principles for easier understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Losing weight, for example, can be broken down into chunks lots of different ways.

WikiHow

While we've only mentioned animation briefly, understand that animation can be broken down into further mediums.

WikiHow

Economic growth can be broken down into two bits.

The Economist

The unpopular openings can be broken down into three categories.

The New York Times

But parkour is a visual spectacle with sequences that can be broken down into individual moves.

The New York Times

The figure can be broken down into passenger and freight transportation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As I read it, his argument can be broken down into two claims.

The Economist

Compounds can be broken down into their constituent elements by chemical changes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The potential applications of genome editing can be broken down into three broad categories.

The Guardian

Editing can be broken down into tasks with start and end points; writing, not so much.

The Guardian

The research can be broken down into the following stages.

Construction and Building Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be broken down into" when you want to explain a complex topic by dividing it into smaller, more manageable parts. This is helpful for clarity and understanding.

Common error

While "can be broken down into" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound less direct. Consider rephrasing with an active verb when appropriate for a more engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be broken down into" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility of something being divided into smaller components. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be broken down into" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for describing how a complex subject or problem can be divided into simpler parts. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage. It is versatile, appearing frequently in scientific, news, and wiki contexts. While effective, writers should be mindful of passive voice overuse. Alternatives such as "can be divided into" or "can be analyzed into" may offer more directness in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be divided into

Focuses on division as the primary action, less emphasis on analysis.

can be categorized as

Emphasizes categorization, implying a structured classification.

can be classified into

Similar to 'categorized as', but suggests a more formal or scientific classification.

can be separated into

Highlights the separation of components, useful when the parts are distinct.

can be resolved into

Suggests breaking down into more fundamental elements to solve a problem.

can be analyzed into

Emphasizes a detailed examination of the components.

can be decomposed into

Implies a complex structure being broken down into simpler parts.

can be segmented into

Focuses on dividing into distinct segments or sections.

can be fragmented into

Suggests breaking down into smaller, possibly disconnected pieces.

can be partitioned into

Implies a more formal or mathematical division into parts.

FAQs

How can I use "can be broken down into" in a sentence?

The phrase "can be broken down into" is used to describe how something complex can be divided into simpler parts. For example, "The project "can be broken down into" three phases".

What are some alternatives to "can be broken down into"?

Alternatives include phrases like "can be divided into", "can be categorized as", or "can be analyzed into", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "can be broken down into"?

While "can be broken down into" is in the passive voice, it is grammatically correct. However, using the active voice might sometimes create a more direct and engaging sentence. Consider whether the subject performing the action is important to the sentence's meaning.

How does the context affect the choice of using "can be broken down into"?

The context determines the best alternative. If you're emphasizing division, "can be divided into" might be suitable. If you're focusing on analysis, "can be analyzed into" could be more appropriate.