going to break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going to break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an impending action or event, often referring to something that is about to fail or shatter. Example: "If you keep pulling on that rope, it's going to break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it's going to break.

The New York Times

I'm going to break the wheel".

Independent

I'm going to break them up.

Independent

"It was going to break me.

The Economist

"Somebody is going to break those records.

The New York Times - Sports

It's going to break up.

The Guardian

You're going to break 70".

The New York Times

They're not going to break".

The Guardian - Sport

"We're going to break out.

The New York Times - Sports

Who's going to break in?

The New York Times

Isn't it going to break?' " Jenner said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "going to break" to clearly indicate an expected failure or violation, ensuring the context supports the anticipation of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "going to break" in highly formal writing where more precise or sophisticated language might be preferred, such as "is expected to fail" or "is likely to breach".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going to break" functions as a predictive expression, indicating a future outcome that is expected or anticipated. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly used to forecast an impending event, often negative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "going to break" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to predict or anticipate a future event, often involving failure or violation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various situations. While versatile, it may be replaced by more formal alternatives in highly technical or academic writing. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its widespread use in diverse scenarios, from physical objects to abstract concepts. Given its frequency and general acceptance, writers can confidently use "going to break" in appropriate contexts, keeping in mind potential alternatives for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about to fail

Focuses on the imminence of failure, removing the action of breaking.

on the verge of collapse

Emphasizes a state of near-failure, suggesting a more gradual process.

likely to shatter

Highlights the potential for a sudden, violent end, specifically related to physical objects.

bound to separate

Indicates an inevitable separation or splitting, particularly in relationships or structures.

destined to fracture

Suggests a predetermined or unavoidable breaking, often with a sense of fate.

will soon breach

Implies an imminent violation of a rule, law, or agreement.

set to disrupt

Focuses on the impact or disturbance caused by the impending break or change.

threatening to crumble

Highlights the potential for a gradual disintegration or collapse.

poised to fall apart

Emphasizes instability and the readiness to disintegrate.

scheduled to terminate

Indicates a planned or expected ending, such as a contract or agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "going to break" in a sentence?

You can use "going to break" to express an expectation that something will fail, shatter, or be violated. For example, "If you bend that too much, it's going to break", or "They are "going to break the law"".

What's a more formal alternative to "going to break"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "is expected to fail", "is likely to fracture", or "is anticipated to breach". These alternatives provide a more sophisticated tone compared to the informal "going to break".

Is there a difference between "going to break" and "about to break"?

"Going to break" indicates a future event that is expected to happen, while "about to break" suggests that the event is imminent and on the verge of occurring. The phrase "about to fail" is usually stronger and more immediate.

When should I avoid using "going to break"?

Avoid using "going to break" in highly formal or technical writing where precise and sophisticated language is necessary. In such contexts, alternatives like "is projected to collapse" or "is anticipated to rupture" might be more appropriate.