Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
got me breaking
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "got me breaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something has caused you to feel overwhelmed or emotionally affected, often in a dramatic or intense way. Example: "The news of her departure really got me breaking; I didn't expect to feel this way."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
He got me breaking 80".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
Listeners also got two of the Roots' biggest hits (the love songs "You Got Me" and "Break You Off"), a long guitar solo and ample time to wonder if any more guest rappers were forthcoming (none were).
News & Media
He drove up to Yorkshire to meet Chris on Monday and called me on the way back to get me to break down some stats to compare his goals per games ratio at every level he's played at.
News & Media
But for all those fist-in-mouth-and-out-through-the-back-of-the-throat moments, this is the sentence that gets me, that breaks my horrid heart: "I drink red wine – white makes me think of ex-girlfriends, and I can end up fucking crying".
News & Media
IN "Creator," the rawest track on Santogold's debut and self-titled album, the singer Santi White boasts, "Me I'm a creator/Thrill is to make it up/The rules I break got me a place up on the radar".
News & Media
"Me, I'm a creator, thrill is to make it up, the rules I break got me a place, up on the radar," she boasts on the jazzy, polyrhythmic Creator, while Les Artistes has the kind of faux-eccentric vocals that you can imagine Nelly Furtado doing justice to now that Timbaland has his hands on her.
News & Media
Built on power chords, their third single, "You Really Got Me," provided their big break.
Encyclopedias
Sign up for the best of VICE, delivered to your inbox dAnyway
News & Media
"I think I had a really good (offseason) break, which got me fresh going into this year".
News & Media
Don't get me wrong—I'd break bone with them but there's no way I'm letting someone like that watch my children.
News & Media
But the blank cheque to defend the other four weaklings after a chaotic Grexit might exceed that; and the broader break-up would establish a more co-ordinated, defensible euro zone.I'm a chancellor, get me out of hereIf neither break-up looks attractive, is there a better way?
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "got me breaking" to express a strong, often negative, emotional reaction to something unexpected. Be mindful of the context to ensure the intensity of the phrase matches the situation.
Common error
Avoid using "got me breaking" in formal writing or professional settings. Its informal tone can be inappropriate for academic papers or business reports. Instead, opt for more formal alternatives such as "led to my emotional distress" or "caused me to feel overwhelmed".
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "got me breaking" functions as a causative expression, indicating that an external factor (the 'got' element) led to a specific emotional or physical state of disintegration or fracturing (the 'breaking' element). Ludwig AI confirms its usage in contexts where something leads to a breaking point.
Frequent in
News & Media
100%
Less common in
Science
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "got me breaking" is used to convey a sense of emotional or mental collapse triggered by an external factor. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct but leans towards informal usage, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. While it effectively communicates intense emotional impact, it should be used judiciously in formal settings. Alternatives like "led me to crumble" or "drove me to collapse" can offer similar meaning with a more formal tone.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
caused me to falter
Focuses on the 'cause' aspect, emphasizing a stumble or hesitation due to an external factor.
led me to crack
Emphasizes the breaking point and the emotional distress leading to it.
made me crumble
Highlights the feeling of falling apart emotionally under pressure.
prompted me to shatter
Implies a more violent or complete emotional collapse.
resulted in my breakdown
A more formal and clinical way of expressing emotional collapse.
drove me to collapse
Emphasizes the force or pressure that caused the breakdown.
brought me to the brink
Suggests reaching the edge of emotional capacity without necessarily crossing it.
pushed me over the edge
Indicates a definite crossing of the emotional limit.
left me devastated
Focuses on the resulting emotional state of devastation.
reduced me to tears
Specifically indicates crying as the result of the emotional impact.
FAQs
What does "got me breaking" mean?
The phrase "got me breaking" implies that something or someone has caused you to experience a significant emotional or mental breakdown. It suggests a loss of control or a shattering of one's composure.
How can I use "got me breaking" in a sentence?
You can use "got me breaking" to describe a situation or event that deeply affected you, leading to a state of emotional distress. For example: "The news of the layoffs really "got me breaking"."
What are some alternatives to "got me breaking"?
Alternatives to "got me breaking" include phrases like "made me crumble", "led me to crack", or "drove me to collapse", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is "got me breaking" grammatically correct?
Yes, "got me breaking" is grammatically correct, though it is considered an informal expression. It is acceptable in casual conversation and informal writing but may not be suitable for formal contexts.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested