What Does "break down" Mean?
- Break down is a phrasal verb with several distinct meanings:
- To stop functioning (usually referring to machines or systems).
- To lose control of one's emotions and start crying.
- To force entry by breaking something.
- To separate or divide something into smaller parts for analysis or understanding.
- (Of a relationship or negotiation) to fail.
- The meaning is semi-idiomatic. While "break" and "down" have individual meanings, the combination creates new meanings that aren't always predictable from the individual words.
- Register: Neutral. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the specific meaning and situation.
How to Use It
- Grammatical pattern: verb + particle. It can be used intransitively (e.g., "The car broke down") or transitively (e.g., "Let's break down the problem").
- Typical objects, complements, or prepositions that follow:
- Intransitive: no object needed. Often followed by adverbs of time or frequency (e.g., "break down often," "break down quickly").
- Transitive: takes a direct object (e.g., "break down barriers," "break down doors"). When meaning "to divide," it can be followed by "into" (e.g., "break down the data into categories").
- The components can be separated in some transitive uses (e.g., "break the problem down"), but not in intransitive uses (e.g., you cannot say "break the car down" when the car stops working).
- What sounds unnatural: Using the wrong preposition (e.g., "break down on" when referring to emotional collapse is incorrect; it should just be "break down"). Using it transitively when it should be intransitive, or vice versa. Separating the phrasal verb when it shouldn't be separated.
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from break down on Ludwig.guru.
"They don't break down"." — The New York Times
"It helps break down barriers"." — The Guardian
"People just break down." — The New York Times
"Let's break down the deals." — Los Angeles Times
"How did sales break down by region?" — Smart Learning Environments
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/break+down
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| stop working |
Replaces "break down" when referring to machines or systems; more straightforward. |
| fall apart |
Can replace "break down" in the emotional sense, or when referring to a system or plan failing. |
| collapse |
Similar to "break down" emotionally or physically; implies a sudden failure. |
| analyze |
A more formal synonym for "break down" when referring to dividing something for study. |
| itemize |
Useful when you want to replace the sense of "break down" meaning to list separate items. |
| fail |
Replaces "break down" in the context of negotiations or relationships. |
| disintegrate |
Implies a complete breakdown with the original structure no longer apparent. |
Common Mistakes
- Using the wrong preposition, such as "break down on" when referring to emotional distress.
- Incorrectly separating the phrasal verb when separation is not allowed, especially with intransitive uses.
- A common mistake is using the individual meanings of 'break' and 'down' to try and understand the phrasal verb's meaning, rather than learning it as a single unit.
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Meaning |
Grammatical Pattern |
Register |
| break down |
stop functioning, collapse emotionally, divide into parts, fail (negotiations) |
intransitive or transitive |
Neutral |
FAQs
Can the parts of "break down" be separated, or must they stay together?
It depends on the meaning and whether it's used transitively or intransitively. When break down means "to stop functioning" (intransitive), it cannot be separated. However, when it means "to divide something into parts" (transitive), it can often be separated: "break the problem down" or "break down the problem."
What is a close alternative to "break down" when referring to a machine that stops working?
A close alternative is "stop working." This phrase is more straightforward and avoids the idiomatic nature of break down. While both convey the same basic meaning, "stop working" might be preferred in more formal contexts where clarity is paramount.
How can I avoid misusing "break down"?
The key is to learn the different meanings of break down as distinct units, rather than trying to derive their meaning from the individual words "break" and "down." Pay attention to the context and whether the verb is being used transitively or intransitively. Practice using the phrasal verb in different sentences to solidify your understanding.