ready to break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ready to break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being on the verge of breaking down, either physically or emotionally, or in reference to an object that is about to break. Example: "After weeks of stress and pressure, I felt like I was ready to break under the weight of it all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I'm ready to break out".

The New York Times - Sports

Ready to break out the spreadsheet?

The New York Times

"We're ready to break out," Valentine said.

The New York Times - Sports

Now LeFrak is ready to break ground again.

The New York Times

"People are ready to break the silence and the stigma".

Independent

The Giants, at.500, may be ready to break out.

The New York Times - Sports

"But I'm not ready to break ground," he said.

The New York Times

"I held it together, but I was ready to break down," Kabashi said.

The New York Times

The insurance company says there's a lot of talent out there ready to break a leg".

The New Yorker

Mr. Systrom wasn't quite ready to break out on his own.

The New York Times - Tech

But so can the Devils, and they may be ready to break open with some production.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ready to break" to describe a person's emotional state, consider adding context to specify the cause of the emotional strain. For example, "She was ready to break under the pressure of the deadline" provides more clarity than simply saying, "She was ready to break".

Common error

Avoid using "ready to break" in situations where a more specific or nuanced phrase would be more appropriate. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound repetitive or melodramatic. Instead, consider alternatives like "about to snap" or "on the verge of collapse" for more precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ready to break" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase followed by an infinitive verb. It indicates a state of preparedness for an imminent action or event, often implying a negative outcome, as demonstrated in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ready to break" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a state of being on the verge of collapse or significant change. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily in the News & Media category. The phrase functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive verb, conveying a sense of impending action, often with negative connotations. While versatile, it's important to use "ready to break" in appropriate contexts, considering more nuanced alternatives like "about to snap" or "on the verge of collapse" for enhanced precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near the breaking point

Directly indicates proximity to the limit of endurance or capacity, closely mirroring the meaning of "ready to break".

about to snap

This phrase emphasizes the imminent loss of control or emotional stability, similar to "ready to break" when referring to a person's emotional state.

at wit's end

Focuses on emotional exhaustion and desperation, similar to "ready to break" when describing a person's mental state under stress.

on the verge of collapse

This alternative highlights the precarious state of something, be it a structure, a system, or a person's health, mirroring the idea of being "ready to break".

on the brink of failure

This phrase focuses on the nearness of failure, whether in a project, a relationship, or any endeavor, akin to "ready to break" in terms of potential negative outcomes.

on thin ice

Suggests a precarious situation where a single misstep could lead to negative consequences, similar to the potential for disaster implied by "ready to break".

poised to shatter

Implies a fragile state where something is about to break into pieces, either literally or metaphorically, similar to the emotional fragility implied by "ready to break".

close to cracking

Describes a situation or person that is under immense pressure and nearing the point of giving way, similar to the sense of strain in "ready to break".

on the point of giving way

Conveys the idea of something or someone succumbing to pressure or strain, similar to "ready to break" in the context of physical or emotional endurance.

about to crumble

Suggests a gradual disintegration or collapse, whether of a structure, a plan, or a person's resolve, echoing the potential for failure implied by "ready to break".

FAQs

How can I use "ready to break" in a sentence?

"Ready to break" can be used to describe something or someone on the verge of collapse, either physically or emotionally. For example, "The old bridge looked ready to break" or "After a long day, I felt ready to break down".

What are some alternatives to "ready to break"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "about to snap", "on the verge of collapse", or "near the breaking point".

Is it correct to say "ready to broke" instead of "ready to break"?

No, "ready to broke" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "ready to break", where "break" is the infinitive form of the verb.

What does it mean when someone says they are "ready to break"?

It typically means they are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or emotionally exhausted to the point where they feel they are about to lose control or have a breakdown.