tendency to break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tendency to break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the likelihood or propensity of an object or system to fail or become damaged. Example: "The old machinery has a tendency to break down during peak production hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wires have a tendency to break.

Cornell University

O'Neill's horses also have had a tendency to break down.

The New York Times - Sports

"I like to fight this tendency to break it down into good weather versus cloudy weather.

BBC

But Jim's tendency to break out antiquated sayings is clearly something he shares with his father.

The New York Times - Sports

However, when you consider that "fissiparous" is itself a tendency to break apart, "fissiparous tendencies" would actually mean "tendencies to have a tendency to break apart" which is somewhat less sinister.

The New York Times

included poor organizational skills, weak verbal fluency, inefficient problem solving, a tendency to break task rules, and weak working memory".

The New Yorker

The problem for Newcastle was their attacks had a tendency to break down on the edge of the penalty area.

The Guardian - Sport

That business about "a tendency to break task rules" does not mean that the testers caught me Googling for answers.

The New Yorker

A tendency to break into dialogue may be a vestige of a dramatic element in nonliterary satura.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But another problem is that the machines used at polling stations have a tendency to break down.

The Economist

Therefore characterizing the particles' tendency to break, i.e. their friability, is essential for the design and development of Ca looping processes.

Fuel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "tendency to break", be specific about the conditions or factors that contribute to the breakage. For instance, instead of saying "This material has a tendency to break", specify "This material has a tendency to break under high stress conditions."

Common error

Avoid using "tendency to break" without specifying the type of break or the conditions leading to it. Overgeneralization can make your statement vague and uninformative. Consider providing additional details to enhance clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tendency to break" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object complement in a sentence. It describes the inherent characteristic of something to become non-functional or damaged. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tendency to break" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the likelihood of something failing or becoming damaged. Ludwig AI validates its frequent usage in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedia sources. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, its specificity is often enhanced by detailing the conditions that lead to breakage. When using this phrase, it's advisable to avoid overgeneralizations and provide clear, context-specific information to ensure clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likelihood of breaking

Focuses on the probability of something breaking.

propensity to fracture

Emphasizes a natural inclination towards fracturing.

inclination to snap

Highlights a specific type of breaking, often sudden.

vulnerability to breakage

Shifts the focus to the susceptibility of an object.

susceptibility to damage

Broadens the scope to include various forms of damage, not just breaking.

predisposition to fail

Indicates a pre-existing condition that makes failure more likely.

weakness under stress

Focuses on the conditions that lead to breakage.

fragility under pressure

Emphasizes the delicate nature and the impact of pressure.

a failing

A shorter, more direct way of indicating a weakness or breaking point.

Easily damaged

Highlights the characteristic of being easily broken or impaired.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "tendency to break" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "likelihood of breaking", "propensity to fracture", or "inclination to snap" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "tendency to break" in formal writing?

Yes, "tendency to break" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing technical or scientific subjects. However, consider more precise alternatives like "vulnerability to breakage" if a more formal tone is desired.

What does it mean when something has a "tendency to break"?

It means that the object or system is likely to fail or become damaged under certain conditions or over time. This could be due to material properties, design flaws, or external stresses.

Are there specific contexts where "tendency to break" is commonly used?

Yes, it's frequently used in engineering, materials science, and sports reporting to describe the weaknesses of materials, equipment, or even athletes. For example, "The voting machines had a "tendency to break" down" or "the player had a "tendency to break" under pressure".