connection broke down

USAGE SUMMARY

"connection broke down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which two or more people are no longer able to communicate effectively. For example, "After months of disagreements, the patient-doctor connection broke down and the patient decided to find another physician."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"This country is so saturated with contaminated, corrupted political discourse, with empty pamphleteering, that I wanted to explore other areas," Ms. Sánchez, 35, said last month in a telephone interview from Havana, interrupted several times when the connection broke down.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A deadline is coming up, and my work is not completed due to something out of my control: My Internet connection breaks down and/or my computer system goes AWOL.

Huffington Post

If the blackouts happen in complex bulk power girds, the case of occurs and the connections break down.

Advances in Difference Equations

"As a proud Aboriginal man, I feel there is a real need to share our cultural connections, break down the stereotypes and nurture an understanding.

BBC

Such new and strong connections break down the walls of fear, which too often, disconnect us from our neighbors.

Huffington Post

When your washing machine or internet connection breaks down, the only help you can get is from a chap in Hyderabad who speaks little or no English.

The Economist

On Tuesday, when the jury gave its determinations, BBC journalists with no personal connections to the disaster broke down in court and wept.

The Guardian - Sport

Nine days later, it broke down because the connections between the superconducting magnets simply could not take the current running through them.

BBC

His body broke down.

The New Yorker

Other plays broke down.

The New York Times - Sports

It broke down before.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "connection broke down", ensure the context clearly indicates what type of connection is being referred to (e.g., a personal relationship, a technological link, or a communicative bond).

Common error

Avoid using "connection broke down" in situations where a more specific term would be more accurate. For instance, instead of saying "the connection broke down", specify "the internet connection failed" or "the negotiations collapsed" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "connection broke down" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating a failure or disruption in a link, relationship, or communication channel. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "connection broke down" is a valid and understandable expression in English, used to describe the failure of a link, relationship, or communication. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While less frequent, it is suitable for both interpersonal and technical contexts, particularly in news and media. Alternatives like "communication failed" or ""relationship deteriorated"" may offer more specific nuances. When using the phrase, ensure clarity about what type of connection is being referenced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

communication failed

Emphasizes the failure of communication, differing slightly in focus from the breakdown of a connection.

communication ceased

Highlights the complete stop of communication, rather than a breakdown.

relationship deteriorated

Focuses on the decline of a relationship, implying a gradual breakdown.

link severed

Implies a more abrupt and intentional termination of a connection.

contact was lost

Indicates a loss of touch, suggesting a less intense disruption than a complete breakdown.

dialogue collapsed

Suggests the failure of a discussion or negotiation.

cord was cut

Focuses on a clear interruption of relationship.

rapport dissolved

Focuses on the disintegration of a harmonious relationship.

understanding faltered

Emphasizes a failure in comprehension or agreement.

alliance crumbled

Suggests the failure of a partnership or coalition.

FAQs

How can I use "connection broke down" in a sentence?

You can use "connection broke down" to describe a situation where a relationship, communication, or link has failed. For example, "After the argument, their "relationship deteriorated", and the connection broke down completely."

What are some alternatives to "connection broke down"?

Alternatives include phrases like "communication failed", ""relationship deteriorated"", or "dialogue collapsed", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "connection broke down" or "connection failed"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "connection failed" might be more suitable for technical contexts, while "connection broke down" can apply to both technical and interpersonal contexts. The best choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

What does "connection broke down" imply about the situation?

It implies that there was an established link or relationship that has since ceased to function or exist, suggesting a failure or disruption in the link between people or systems.