communication broke down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "communication broke down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where effective communication has failed or been interrupted, often leading to misunderstandings or conflicts. Example: "During the meeting, communication broke down, and we were unable to reach a consensus on the project direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

All communication broke down.

The New York Times - Science

"The communication broke down," Johnson said.

The New York Times - Sports

But when he got to the mound, communication broke down.

The New York Times - Sports

It was clearly in the final stage that communication broke down.

The New York Times

But communication broke down, and most of that money never came, Mr. Ansar said.

The New York Times - Arts

A simulation showed that 59percentt of servers in a center would have to fail before communication broke down.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The underlying principle is that the body's major organs use energy pathways to communicate and that malaise occurs whenever communication breaks down.

The Guardian

If communication breaks down between parts of the community, the group will split into distinct parts, such as may be the case when a part of the community collapses, or when a microcommunity breaks away from the rest of the colony.

Biology Direct

"We know that this cell communication breaks down in diseases such as dementia, cancer and type-two diabetes.

The Guardian

You have the army on one side, the narcos and police on the other, and – in the middle – the economy, education, political life collapsing, normal communication broken down". The narco cartels have moved on from the 80s.

The Guardian

All communication breaks down as electronic devices stop working.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "communication broke down" to describe situations where a gradual decline in effective communication led to failure or misunderstanding. This is particularly effective when highlighting a process rather than a sudden event.

Common error

Avoid using "communication broke down" when describing instantaneous communication failures. Phrases like "communication failed" or "communication collapsed" are more suitable for abrupt events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "communication broke down" functions as a descriptor indicating a failure or interruption in the process of exchanging information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It often describes a gradual deterioration rather than a sudden event.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "communication broke down" is a grammatically sound and useful expression to denote a failure or interruption in effective communication. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and its examples show usage across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Scientific domains. Alternatives like "communication failed" or "dialogue ceased" may be more appropriate depending on whether the context emphasizes a gradual decline or a sudden stop. When using the phrase, consider the gradual nature of the breakdown to ensure accuracy and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

communication failed

Focuses on the simple lack of successful communication, omitting the gradual process implied by "broke down".

communication collapsed

Suggests a more sudden and complete failure of communication.

dialogue ceased

Emphasizes the end of a conversation or exchange.

contact was lost

Focuses on the inability to maintain connection, especially relevant in technical or remote contexts.

relations soured

Highlights the deterioration of the relationship, implying that communication issues contributed to this.

understanding faltered

Emphasizes a breakdown in comprehension and mutual agreement.

rapport dissipated

Highlights the loss of a harmonious connection.

correspondence ended

Specifically indicates that written communication stopped.

negotiations stalled

Indicates a halt in formal discussions aimed at reaching an agreement.

discussions dissolved

Suggests a gradual fading away of talks and conversations.

FAQs

What does it mean when "communication broke down"?

It means that effective communication failed or was interrupted, often leading to misunderstandings or conflicts. It suggests a gradual decline rather than a sudden stop.

What can I say instead of "communication broke down"?

You can use alternatives like "communication failed", "communication collapsed", or "dialogue ceased" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "communication broke down"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It follows standard grammar rules and is widely understood.

What's the difference between "communication broke down" and "communication failed"?

"Communication broke down" implies a gradual decline in effective communication, while "communication failed" suggests a more immediate or sudden failure.