point of breakdown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "point of breakdown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific moment or location where a system, process, or relationship fails or ceases to function properly. Example: "The point of breakdown in our communication led to misunderstandings and delays in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The road racers simply race to the point of breakdown.

The New York Times - Sports

5. Create a child protection system nationally that is at the point of breakdown.

The Guardian

They didn't look look as though they had been meddled with to the point of breakdown.

Independent

My ex-boss was bullied to the point of breakdown and I was sick of the politics.

The Guardian

Unlike the modern masters of the form, Georges Feydeau and Joe Orton, Ludwig never raises the characters' level of confusion or aggression to the point of breakdown.

The New Yorker

The group imploded in 1967, with Scott frustrated to the point of breakdown by the formula into which their songs had fallen.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

In the last few years he's been memorably portrayed by a bristling Antony Sher and a retching, on-the-point-of-breakdown Simon Russell Beale.

The Guardian

Furthermore, each dimension also has points of breakdown where values change directly into disvalues (different from disvalues as complements).

SEP

By early 2007, I was on the point of a breakdown.

Independent

Our very first conversation, over lunch at Chequers, was very sharp at first, almost to the point of a breakdown.

The New York Times

Andsnes does great things with it: the opening is notably stark and uncompromising, while the closing variations, in which harmony and rhythm come close to a point of total breakdown, are phenomenally intense.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "point of breakdown", ensure the context clearly indicates what is breaking down, whether it's a system, a relationship, or an individual's mental state. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "point of breakdown" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "failure point" or "critical juncture" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "point of breakdown" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific stage or moment where a system, process, or entity ceases to function effectively. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "point of breakdown" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe a critical moment or stage of failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally considered correct. It is frequently found in news and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. For writers seeking to avoid repetition, alternatives like ""failure point"" or ""critical juncture"" can be used. When employing this phrase, clarity and specificity regarding what is breaking down are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failure point

Emphasizes the specific location or instance where something fails.

breaking point

Indicates the limit beyond which something can no longer withstand pressure or stress.

collapse threshold

Focuses on the specific level at which a system or structure collapses.

critical juncture

Highlights the decisive moment when a significant change or breakdown occurs.

moment of failure

Highlights a specific instance where something fails.

point of collapse

Similar to the query, but emphasizes the action of collapsing.

disintegration stage

Focuses on the phase where something falls apart.

stage of deterioration

Highlights the worsening condition leading to a breakdown.

crisis stage

Focuses on a critical phase that may or may not lead to a breakdown.

point of disintegration

Similar to the query, but emphasizes the action of disintegration.

FAQs

How can I use "point of breakdown" in a sentence?

You can use "point of breakdown" to describe when something fails or reaches a critical stage. For example: "The relationship reached its "point of breakdown" after years of unresolved conflict".

What are some alternatives to "point of breakdown"?

Alternatives include "failure point", "breaking point", or "critical juncture", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the point of breaking" instead of "point of breakdown"?

While "the "point of breaking"" is grammatically understandable, "point of breakdown" is more commonly used and idiomatic, especially when referring to systems, processes, or relationships.

What is the difference between "point of breakdown" and "breaking point"?

"Point of breakdown" refers to the moment or stage when something actually fails. "Breaking point" refers to the limit beyond which something will fail. The breaking point precedes the point of breakdown.