it breaks down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it breaks down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something fails to function properly or deteriorates in quality. Example: "After years of use, the old car finally breaks down on the highway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Replace your pillow when it breaks down or no longer holds its shape.

WikiHow

"It breaks down gang barriers.

The New York Times

"It breaks down quickly".

The New York Times - Health

When it breaks down, so does meaning.

The Economist

It breaks down like this.

The Guardian

It breaks down someone's sense of impenetrability.

The New Yorker

"It breaks down the foundation of trust".

The New York Times - Health

Family is where it breaks down.

The New York Times

Clearly, it breaks down on two fronts.

The Guardian - Film

"It breaks down on economic lines".

The New York Times

When it breaks down, everything breaks down.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it breaks down" to describe the failure of a system, object, or even an abstract concept. For instance, "The car breaks down frequently" or "The argument breaks down under scrutiny."

Common error

While "it breaks down" is valid, avoid using it when a simpler alternative like "it fails" or "it stops" would be more direct and clear, especially in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it breaks down" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a failure, decomposition, or simplification. Ludwig AI confirms its usage is grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

35%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it breaks down" is a versatile expression used to describe the cessation of function, decomposition, or simplification of an object, system, or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While "it breaks down" is generally accepted and widely used, alternative phrases such as "it malfunctions" or "it fails" may offer more directness in certain situations. Ultimately, understanding the nuanced contexts in which "it breaks down" is employed enhances effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it stops working

A simple and direct way to express that something is no longer functional.

it deteriorates

Focuses on the gradual decline or decay of something, similar to a breakdown over time.

it malfunctions

Emphasizes a failure in functionality, particularly in mechanical or electronic systems.

it falls apart

Implies a disintegration or fragmentation, often used for physical objects or systems.

it collapses

Suggests a sudden and complete failure, often with structural implications.

it gives way

Suggests a yielding or collapse under pressure or strain.

it decomposes

Describes the process of organic material decaying into simpler substances.

it simplifies

Focuses on the reduction of complexity, the opposite of complicating.

it analyzes

Highlights the process of examining something in detail, especially to explain or interpret it.

it explains

Refers to making something comprehensible, often by providing details or reasons.

FAQs

How can I use "it breaks down" in a sentence?

You can use "it breaks down" to describe the failure of a system, object, or process, such as "The car breaks down frequently" or "The negotiation "falls apart" during discussions".

What does "it breaks down" mean?

"It breaks down" generally means something stops functioning correctly or deteriorates. It can also refer to the process of something being simplified or analyzed.

What are some synonyms for "it breaks down"?

Synonyms include "it malfunctions", "it fails", "it deteriorates", and "it collapses", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it breaks down" in formal writing?

Yes, "it breaks down" is correct and acceptable in formal writing, though you might consider more precise alternatives depending on the specific context, such as "it deteriorates" for gradual degradation or "it malfunctions" for a system failure.