sudden breakdown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sudden breakdown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected failure or collapse of a system, process, or individual. Example: "The sudden breakdown of the computer system caused significant delays in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Its thermal inertia prevents a sudden breakdown.

Physica C: Superconductivity

We conclude that external disturbances can cause sudden breakdown of facultative marine mutualistic feedbacks.

Current Biology

The movie has a keen, bitter sense of the sudden breakdown of preposterous illusions.

The New Yorker

Faced with Lear's sudden breakdown, Cornélia asks, "What can I do?

The New Yorker

The next season, there was no sudden breakdown: The Red Sox stumbled to a 69-93, last-place finish, the team's worst in almost a half-century.

The New York Times - Sports

They are subject to illness and sudden breakdown, invaded by dreams less specific than nightmares and, on that account, more estranging.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Financial contagion: which financial networks are particularly sensitive to sudden breakdowns?

Harvard University

Even for households with municipal piped water supply, the supply is not reliable: water is not distributed round the clock, pressure is not sufficient and there are sudden breakdowns.

Habitat International

Due to sudden breakdowns of the server, the arrivals of units may also be affected.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Recent work has looked at which financial networks are sensitive to sudden breakdowns and if a network perspective can be used to understand how much scope for cooperation there is in complex favor-trading problems such as pollution reduction.

University of Chicago

There are many who see Britain as having suffered a sudden nervous breakdown, said Simon Tilford, an economist and deputy director of the Center for European Reform.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sudden breakdown" to describe events or processes that fail quickly and unexpectedly. This phrase is effective in both technical and general contexts.

Common error

While "sudden breakdown" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal academic writing. Consider alternatives like "abrupt failure" or "rapid deterioration" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sudden breakdown" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing an abrupt and unexpected failure of a system, process, or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

45%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sudden breakdown" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an unexpected failure or collapse. Ludwig AI confirms this. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives like "abrupt failure" or "rapid deterioration" for academic or highly professional writing. It appears frequently in Science and News & Media, highlighting its relevance in both technical and general discussions. Understanding its communicative purpose and register ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abrupt failure

Focuses on the unexpected and immediate nature of the failure, similar to "sudden breakdown".

unexpected collapse

Emphasizes the unforeseen and rapid nature of the collapse, akin to "sudden breakdown".

precipitous decline

Highlights a rapid and significant drop, similar to the sense of "sudden breakdown".

instantaneous malfunction

Conveys the immediate and faulty operation, analogous to "sudden breakdown" in technical contexts.

rapid deterioration

Focuses on the swift worsening of a condition, similar to the implications of "sudden breakdown".

snap disintegration

Emphasizes the sudden and complete collapse, conveying a meaning close to "sudden breakdown".

immediate cessation

Highlights the abrupt ending or halt, mirroring the instantaneous aspect of "sudden breakdown".

unexpected cessation

Emphasis on the unforeseen interruption, conveying the element of surprise inherent in "sudden breakdown".

sudden cessation

Highlights the abrupt ending or halt, mirroring the instantaneous aspect of "sudden breakdown".

unforeseen interruption

Focuses on the unexpected disruption, similar to the surprise element in "sudden breakdown".

FAQs

How can I use "sudden breakdown" in a sentence?

You can use "sudden breakdown" to describe an unexpected failure. For example, "The "sudden breakdown" of the machinery halted production."

What are some alternatives to "sudden breakdown"?

Alternatives include "abrupt failure", "unexpected collapse", or "rapid deterioration" depending on the context.

Is "sudden breakdown" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "sudden breakdown" may be less formal. Consider alternatives like "abrupt failure" or "precipitous decline" for a more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "sudden breakdown" and "gradual decline"?

"Sudden breakdown" implies an immediate failure, while "gradual decline" suggests a slow and progressive deterioration over time.