utterly break down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly break down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a complete failure or collapse of a system, process, or emotional state. Example: "After the unexpected news, she began to utterly break down, unable to control her emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Yes," he replied wearily, "I am utterly broken down.

The New York Times

Asked what led to Thompson's turnabout, his wife said: "I don't know other than him being completely at the bottom and being utterly broken down, and feeling like he had nothing going for him and just being able to focus on enjoying the game again and practicing and feeling like he was playing for himself and the passion he has for golf, rather than trying to please people and everyone around him".

The New York Times - Sports

A weekend when Barça did what Barça did all too often last season - dominated the ball but lacked pace, aggression, width, and a Plan B, utterly failing to break down the opposition despite them going down to 10 men after their debut boy managed to get himself sent off just 12 minutes after coming on.

The Guardian - Sport

You may soon find that the familiar people, places and things in your life look fresh from new angles, in new lights, and utterly alien as they begin to break down into shapes, lines and shadows.

HuffPost

You may soon find that the familiar people, places and things in your life look fresh from new angles, in new lights, and utterly alien as they begin to break down into shapes, lines and shadows. .

Huffington Post

Tracks morph, pressurize and reorganize —but never break down, exactly following a completely unpredictable if utterly natural logic".

Wikipedia

Things can break down".

The New Yorker

It helps break down barriers".

The Guardian

"Mechanical things break down, frequently".

The New York Times - Travel

The economy would break down!

The New Yorker

Will Kate's car break down?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to determine if a more specific synonym might be more appropriate. "Utterly break down" is strong, so ensure the situation warrants such intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly break down" to describe minor inconveniences or setbacks. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic. Save it for situations that truly warrant such a strong expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly break down" functions as a verb phrase. The adverb "utterly" intensifies the verb "break down", indicating a complete and overwhelming failure or collapse. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "utterly break down" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe a complete and overwhelming failure or collapse. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. While the frequency of this phrase is considered missing at the moment, it's appropriate for neutral contexts where emphasis on the totality of the breakdown is needed. Related phrases include "completely collapse" and "totally fall apart". Overusing the phrase in minor situations should be avoided to maintain its impact. Overall, "utterly break down" is a strong and effective way to communicate a sense of total failure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Completely collapse

This alternative emphasizes the total and sudden failure of something, similar to a physical collapse.

Totally fall apart

This phrase highlights the disintegration of something into pieces, whether physical or emotional.

Completely disintegrate

Focuses on the loss of cohesion and structure, leading to total breakdown.

Suffer total failure

Emphasizes the lack of success or the inability to function effectively.

Reach a breaking point

Suggests reaching a limit beyond which one cannot cope, leading to a breakdown.

Give way completely

This alternative implies a yielding or collapsing under pressure.

Succumb entirely

Focuses on being overwhelmed and giving in to a negative force or situation.

Shatter completely

Implies a sudden and irreversible destruction, like glass breaking.

Crumble entirely

Suggests a gradual decay and disintegration.

Be reduced to nothing

Emphasizes the complete loss of value, power, or functionality.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly break down" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly break down" to describe a complete failure or emotional collapse. For example: "After the unexpected news, she began to utterly break down, unable to control her emotions."

What are some alternatives to "utterly break down"?

You can use alternatives like "completely collapse", "totally fall apart", or "suffer total failure" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "utterly break down"?

Yes, the phrase "utterly break down" is grammatically correct. "Utterly" is an adverb that modifies the verb phrase "break down", indicating the extent or degree of the breakdown.

What's the difference between "utterly break down" and "partially break down"?

"Utterly break down" implies a complete and total failure, while "partially break down" suggests a failure that is incomplete or limited. The former suggests that whatever broke down is no longer functional, while the latter suggests that it may still function, albeit imperfectly.