seems to break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems to break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that appears to be failing or malfunctioning, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The system seems to break under heavy load, causing delays in processing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seems to break Gmail.

The New York Times

This seems to break the rule.

The Economist

Violence often seems to break out around Mr Maitha.

The Economist

The schedule seems to break in their favor.

The New York Times

However, many philosophers have pointed out situations where the concept of rationality seems to break down.

Stanford University

The result seems to break with the temper of our times: it is essentially celebratory.

The New York Times - Arts

He seems to break, bend or twist every bone in his body.

The New York Times - Books

Her car seems to break down every time she manages to save some money, she said.

The New York Times

That seems to break the association between iMessage and the former user's number in Apple's system.

The Guardian - Tech

The brain seems to break sounds down into their constituent acoustic frequencies.

The Guardian

From a dramatic point of view, The Tempest seems to break all the rules.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seems to break" to describe situations where a system, relationship, or pattern shows signs of failing or disrupting, but the failure is not yet complete or certain. This phrase is especially useful in nuanced observations.

Common error

While acceptable, relying heavily on "seems to break" in formal or scientific writing can sound less decisive. Opt for stronger verbs like "fails", "disrupts", or "collapses" to convey a more definitive assessment, especially when evidence supports a conclusive statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems to break" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a perceived or potential disruption or failure. It typically describes situations where something is not yet fully broken, but shows signs of doing so. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems to break" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe potential failures or disruptions. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, particularly in expressing uncertainty or making preliminary assessments. While prevalent in various contexts like News & Media, Academia, and Science, it's essential to consider more decisive alternatives for formal writing where clarity and certainty are paramount. Use "seems to break" when you want to indicate that something may be failing, but isn't definitely broken yet.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems to be failing

A more direct synonym, focusing on the ongoing process of failure.

appears to fail

Emphasizes the visual impression of failure or disruption.

looks like it's failing

Suggests a more tentative or observational assessment of the situation.

shows signs of failing

Highlights the observable indicators of a problem.

begins to malfunction

Highlights the initiation of a functional problem.

appears to be malfunctioning

Focuses on the functional aspect of the failure.

starts to fall apart

Describes a gradual process of disintegration or failure.

is starting to give way

Describes the beginning of a structural failure or breakdown.

threatens to collapse

Indicates an imminent and potentially catastrophic failure.

is on the verge of collapse

Emphasizes the imminence and severity of a potential failure.

FAQs

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

Use "seems to break" to describe a situation where something appears to be failing or malfunctioning. For example: "The agreement "seems to break" down when communication stops."

What can I say instead of "seems to break"?

You can use alternatives like "appears to fail", "looks like it's failing", or "starts to fall apart depending on the context".

Is it grammatically correct to use "seems to break"?

Yes, "seems to break" is grammatically correct. The verb "seems" is used to express an appearance or impression, and "to break" functions as an infinitive indicating the potential action or state.

What's the difference between "seems to break" and "is breaking"?

"Seems to break" suggests an apparent or potential failure, while "is breaking" implies an actual, ongoing process of failure. "The system "seems to break" under pressure" means it might fail, but "The system is breaking under pressure" means it is actively failing.