has broken down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has broken down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has stopped functioning or has failed, often referring to machinery or systems. Example: "The car has broken down on the side of the road, and we need to call for assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That deal has broken down".

The New York Times

This has broken down in key ways.

The New Yorker

Oh, another stagecoach bus has broken down".

The Guardian

Trust has broken down terribly and horrifically".

The New York Times

The Premier League, in particular, has broken down barriers.

The New York Times - Sports

Reaction to the S.E.C. petition has broken down accordingly.

The New York Times

"And for whatever reason, that has broken down".

The New York Times

That relationship has broken down in the past half century.

The Economist

When he has broken down, it has been private.

The Washington Post

"Since 2009, the physical delivery system has broken down".

The Guardian - Business

Predictably, the executive split has broken down along language lines.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has broken down" when describing the cessation of function in machinery, systems, or relationships. Be mindful of the context; it can apply to physical objects or abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "has broken down" too casually for minor inconveniences or temporary setbacks. Reserve it for situations where the failure is significant or represents a more profound disruption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has broken down" functions as a phrasal verb indicating that something has ceased to function correctly, either literally (like a machine) or figuratively (like a relationship). This is supported by Ludwig's numerous examples showing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "has broken down" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating a cessation of function or a state of failure. As Ludwig shows, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. The phrase serves to inform about something that is no longer working or has failed, whether it’s a machine, a relationship, or a system. While its register is generally neutral, writers should be mindful of overusing it in trivial situations, reserving it for more significant disruptions or failures. Alternatives like "has failed" or "has ceased functioning" can provide a more formal tone when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has failed

Indicates a complete lack of success or functionality, similar to a breakdown.

has ceased functioning

More formal way of saying something is no longer working.

has fallen apart

Suggests disintegration or a catastrophic failure, often in relationships or systems.

has collapsed

Implies a sudden and dramatic failure, often used for structures or plans.

has disintegrated

Suggests a gradual decline and falling into separate pieces.

has come to an end

Indicates a finish or conclusion, often in relationships or agreements.

is non-operational

Technical term for something not working.

is out of order

Common phrase to indicate temporary malfunction, such as an elevator.

is inoperative

Similar to non-operational, slightly more formal.

is kaput

Informal term, typically from German, indicating something is broken beyond repair.

FAQs

How can I use "has broken down" in a sentence?

You can use "has broken down" to describe machinery that is no longer working, like "The car "has broken down" on the highway". It can also describe relationships or systems that have failed, such as "The peace talks "has broken down" completely".

What's a formal alternative to "has broken down"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "has ceased functioning" or "is non-operational" depending on the context. These phrases provide a more technical or professional feel.

Is it appropriate to use "has broken down" when describing a personal relationship?

Yes, "has broken down" can be used to describe a personal relationship that has ended or deteriorated significantly. For example, "Their relationship "has broken down" irretrievably" indicates a complete failure of the relationship.

What is the difference between "has broken down" and "has fallen apart"?

"Has broken down" typically implies a cessation of function, while "has fallen apart" suggests a disintegration or collapse. A machine "has broken down", but a complex system or a relationship might "has fallen apart".