things will break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things will break" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that certain items or systems are likely to fail or malfunction over time. Example: "In any complex system, it's important to remember that things will break, so always have a backup plan in place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Things will break, will go wrong.

The New York Times - Sports

The signatories demanded a larger proportion of local, state, and national jobs, warning, "If this neglect of the participation of the Arab race continues, things will break loose from the hands of the wise men to those of the ignorant".

The New Yorker

Things will break and it's hard to revert to the current stable version.

TechCrunch

We can't say how things will break for AWEA, but it's a safe bet that the power industry faces business and regulatory upheaval.

Forbes

So let me use their ratings system to judge their actions to date and explain how I think things will break in the future and why.

TechCrunch

A billion people will pretty quickly try every possible way to interact with your code, so features will be used in ways you never expected, and sometimes things will break in ways that you didn't anticipate.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"I think this thing will break the pay-per-view record," he said.

The New Yorker

"If we don't have something nailed down, then this thing will break up and everyone will lose".

The New York Times

Occasionally, the real thing will break through, as when Cassius urges Brutus to "think of the world" — a bitter entreaty, in the mouth of a jailbird.

The New Yorker

I think theres still a substantial chance that between now and then the whole thing will break down.

Forbes

Of course there are things that will break a human.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "things will break", ensure that the context clearly identifies what "things" you are referring to. This prevents ambiguity and ensures your message is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "things will break" as a blanket statement without any specific context. This can make your writing seem vague and unhelpful. Instead, identify the particular systems or items that are likely to fail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things will break" functions as a prediction or statement of expectation. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is used to express the likelihood of failures or malfunctions occurring, often within the context of complex systems or processes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "things will break" is a common idiom used to acknowledge the inevitability of failure or malfunction, particularly in complex systems or projects. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and functions as a prediction, serving to prepare an audience for potential problems. While not overly formal, it is versatile enough for use across various contexts, including news and general discussions, but it is important to provide a context to what "things" are. Remember to offer context to what "things" refer to, and plan accordingly!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something will fail

Focuses on a single entity experiencing failure instead of multiple "things".

something will go wrong

Shifts the focus to general problems or errors, not necessarily physical breakage.

problems will arise

Emphasizes the occurrence of issues or difficulties.

errors will occur

Highlights the likelihood of mistakes or inaccuracies happening.

systems will crash

Specifically refers to the failure of technological systems.

equipment will malfunction

Focuses on the improper functioning of specific equipment.

components will break down

Highlights the failure of individual parts within a larger system.

everything falls apart

Implies a more extensive and complete disintegration of something.

difficulties will emerge

Shifts from mechanical failure to general challenges that might appear.

issues will surface

Focuses on the revealing of underlying problems, not necessarily breakages.

FAQs

How can I use "things will break" in a sentence?

Use "things will break" to acknowledge the inevitability of failure in systems or equipment. For example: "In any complex project, "things will break", so it's crucial to have a contingency plan."

What is a more formal alternative to "things will break"?

In a more formal setting, consider using phrases like "items will fail", "components will malfunction", or "systems will experience downtime".

Is it better to say "things will break" or "things will be broken"?

While both are grammatically correct, "things will break" suggests an ongoing process or future event, while "things will be broken" implies a completed state. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

What does it mean when someone says "things will break"?

It typically means that failures or malfunctions are expected, often in the context of complex systems, technology, or projects. It's an acknowledgment that perfection is unattainable, and planning for such occurrences is necessary.