emergency brake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "emergency brake" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a braking system designed to stop a vehicle in case of an emergency. For example, "He pulled the emergency brake to prevent the car from rolling down the hill." Alternative expressions include "handbrake" and "parking brake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I immediately pushed the emergency brake.

Independent

Should I pull the emergency brake?

The Guardian

The seven-year emergency brake cannot be extended.

The Guardian

Could a government veto an emergency brake request?

The Guardian

It remained unclear how the proposed emergency brake would operate.

Independent

Mr. Garzón activated an emergency brake three seconds later.

The New York Times

So what emergency, exactly, does this emergency brake refer to?

The New York Times

These two measures combined form the much flaunted 'emergency brake.' 'Britain gets its emergency brake, right now!' He claimed.

Independent

The documents confirm that Britain meets the criteria to request the emergency brake immediately.

The Guardian

He reached 50mph before applying the full emergency brake 100 metres before the collision.

The Guardian

The eastern European nations balked at the "emergency brake" on benefits to EU migrants.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about vehicle safety, specify the type of brake (e.g., "emergency brake" vs. "parking brake") for clarity, as their functions differ.

Common error

Avoid using "emergency brake" and "parking brake" interchangeably. The "emergency brake" is for sudden stops in dangerous situations, while the "parking brake" is to keep a stationary car from moving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "emergency brake" primarily functions as a noun, typically modifying another noun (e.g., "emergency brake lever") or acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows its function in the real word.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "emergency brake" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe a braking system designed for urgent stops. Ludwig's analysis reveals its frequent use in "News & Media", "Science", and "Wiki" contexts. While often used interchangeably with "parking brake" or "hand brake", it is crucial to understand their specific functions to prevent misuse. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase follows standard grammatical rules and serves to inform, instruct, or describe situations where this safety feature is relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hand brake

Synonymous term, often used interchangeably in many contexts.

parking brake

Similar function, but typically used when a vehicle is stationary.

safety brake

Emphasizes the safety aspect of the braking system.

sudden stop mechanism

General term referring to any system designed for abrupt halting.

fail-safe brake

Highlights the reliability of the brake in critical situations.

immediate halt system

A more descriptive alternative emphasizing the immediacy of the stop.

rapid deceleration system

Focuses on the change in speed rather than the brake itself.

secondary brake system

Indicates that it's an additional system for braking.

backup braking system

Implies the system is used when the primary system fails.

stopping mechanism

A broad term referring to any device used for stopping.

FAQs

How do you properly use an "emergency brake" in a vehicle?

The "emergency brake" should be applied firmly and gradually to avoid skidding. It's crucial to maintain control of the vehicle while using it. It is best reserved for situations where your primary brakes have failed.

What is the difference between an "emergency brake" and a "parking brake"?

The "emergency brake" is designed for use in emergency situations while the "parking brake" is designed to hold a vehicle in place when parked. They serve different primary functions, although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably.

What can I do if my primary brakes fail and I need to use the "emergency brake"?

If your primary brakes fail, calmly engage the "emergency brake" while also trying to downshift to lower gears. Steer carefully and look for a safe place to bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

Are there other names for the "emergency brake"?

Yes, the "emergency brake" is also commonly referred to as the "hand brake" or "parking brake", though the specific mechanism and intended use can vary slightly.