the breakdown of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the breakdown of" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used in a variety of contexts to refer to the process of reducing something complex into component parts. For example, you might say "The breakdown of the US healthcare system is convoluted and complex."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The breakdown of who likes what.

The New York Times

Here's the breakdown of the rest:.

The New York Times

The Breakdown of Broken Windows?

Yale University

The Breakdown of the American Order.

The New York Times - Books

The breakdown of communication went deeper.

The New York Times

"Against the breakdown of everything into chaos".

The New Yorker

What's the breakdown of GDC's portfolio?

The New York Times

Lyrically it conjures the breakdown of a relationship, emotionally the breakdown of a car.

The Guardian - Music

Includes the breakdown of cryptic unstable transcripts (CUTs).

Princeton University

Q. You've written a lot about the breakdown of those feelings of empathy and the breakdown of the social contract.

University of California, Berkeley

Look at the breakdown of release dates here.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the breakdown of", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a process of analysis, decomposition, or failure. This will enhance clarity and prevent misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "the breakdown of" when you actually intend to provide a summary. A breakdown implies analysis into components, while a summary offers a condensed overview.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the breakdown of" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig provides examples where it introduces the analysis, disintegration, or disruption of a system, concept, or entity, indicating a process of separation or detailed examination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the breakdown of" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote the analysis, decomposition, or disruption of something into its constituent parts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While its usage is generally straightforward, being mindful of whether the intended meaning relates to analysis, failure, or decomposition will enhance clarity. Remember to avoid using it interchangeably with "summary", as this may lead to confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the disintegration of

Emphasizes the process of falling apart into smaller components.

the collapse of

Suggests a sudden failure or cessation of function.

the unraveling of

Conveys a sense of something coming undone or being revealed.

the analysis of

Focuses on detailed examination rather than the process of falling apart or ceasing to function.

the dissection of

Suggests a careful, analytical examination often associated with scientific contexts.

the disruption of

Highlights the interruption or disturbance of a system or process.

the decomposition of

Specifically refers to the process of rotting or decay.

the division of

Highlights the act of separating something into parts.

a detailed account of

Focuses on providing a comprehensive description, often numerical.

the anatomy of

Implies a thorough, structural examination of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "the breakdown of" to refer to the analysis of something into its constituent parts, such as "The analyst provided "the breakdown of" the company's expenses."

What phrases are similar to "the breakdown of"?

Similar phrases include "the analysis of", "the disintegration of", or "the collapse of", depending on the intended meaning.

Is it correct to use "breakdown" to mean "summary"?

While "breakdown" implies a detailed analysis of components, using it to mean "summary" can be misleading. It's better to use the word “summary” if you're providing an overview.

When should I use "the breakdown of" instead of "the summary of"?

Use "the breakdown of" when you are detailing the individual components or contributing factors of something. If you are simply providing a condensed version, use "the summary of" instead.