he broke down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he broke down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone experiencing an emotional collapse or a failure to function, often due to stress or overwhelming feelings. Example: "After hearing the news, he broke down and couldn't stop crying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Then he broke down crying.

The New York Times

He broke down crying, he recalled.

The New York Times

He broke down film of summer scrimmages.

The New York Times - Sports

And then he broke down in tears.

The New Yorker

He broke down that fall.

The New York Times - Sports

He broke down again as he spoke.

The Guardian

Then he broke down and wept.

The Guardian

He broke down when presented with a game ball.

The New York Times - Sports

Then, in private, he broke down, both times.

The New York Times - Books

Other times, he broke down in her arms.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

When asked about the pressure at a press conference in June he broke down in tears.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he broke down", consider the specific emotion or situation that led to the breakdown. Provide context to enhance the impact of the statement. For instance, instead of simply saying "he broke down", you could say "After hearing the devastating news, he broke down in tears."

Common error

Avoid using "he broke down" to describe mechanical failures. While technically correct, it's more common and clearer to say "it malfunctioned", "it failed", or "it stopped working" in technical contexts to prevent confusion with emotional breakdowns.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "he broke down" functions primarily as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating a sudden failure of emotional or mental control. Ludwig's examples show it is frequently used to describe someone succumbing to tears or intense emotion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Books

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he broke down" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb that describes an emotional collapse. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's frequently used in News & Media, Sports, and Book contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While alternatives like "he fell apart" or "he lost control" exist, the key is to provide context for the breakdown. Avoid using it in technical contexts to prevent misunderstanding. Overall, it's a versatile phrase that effectively conveys a sense of emotional distress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he fell apart

Suggests a complete disintegration of emotional composure.

he became overwhelmed

Focuses on the feeling of being overcome by emotions or circumstances.

he dissolved in tears

Paints a vivid picture of someone completely overcome by weeping.

he lost control

Emphasizes a loss of self-regulation in an emotional or mental state.

he was reduced to tears

Indicates that the person's emotional state resulted in crying.

he succumbed to tears

Highlights the act of surrendering to crying.

he gave way to emotion

Highlights the act of allowing emotions to take over.

he couldn't cope

Indicates an inability to manage or deal with a situation or emotion.

he was crushed

Suggests a feeling of being emotionally destroyed or defeated.

he was devastated

Emphasizes the deep sorrow and shock experienced.

FAQs

What does "he broke down" mean?

The phrase "he broke down" typically means that someone experienced an emotional collapse, often resulting in crying or an inability to function normally due to overwhelming stress or sadness.

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

You can use "he broke down" in sentences like, "After years of pressure, "he broke down" during the meeting" or "When he heard the news, "he broke down" in tears".

What can I say instead of "he broke down"?

You can use alternatives like "he fell apart", "he lost control", or "he became overwhelmed" depending on the context.

Is "he broke down" formal or informal?

The phrase "he broke down" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from a slightly more descriptive or nuanced phrasing.