Breakdown vs Break Down
What’s the difference between them?
Breakdown
Meaning:
noun: breakdown is an analysis or a descriptive report of something, usually in detail. It can also refer to a sudden failure or collapse.
Examples:
1. After months of trying to solve the issue, it was clear that a complete breakdown of the system was inevitable.
2. When the employee had a breakdown on the job, it caused an uproar among the other workers.
3. The therapist suspected that the patient's frequent breakdowns were a result of unresolved childhood trauma.
Break Down
Meaning:
verb: to cease functioning; to stop working; to fall apart; to divide something into smaller parts.
Examples:
1. She started to break down when she heard the news.
2. My computer has been breaking down lately, so I'm going to get it fixed.
3. The mechanic was able to break down the car and figure out what was wrong.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Breakdown
1. Analysis
2. Evaluation
3. Review
4. Collapse
1. Summary
2. Synopsis
3. Overview
Break Down
1. Collapse
2. Disintegrate
3. Fall Apart
4. Break Apart
5. Come Undone
1. Construct
2. Assemble
3. Put Together
4. Build Up
5. Strengthen
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Breakdown", "Break Down".
1. Remember that when using breakdown, you are describing an analysis or report, while when using break down, you are describing a collapse or sudden failure.
2. Use breakdown and break down in the context of their respective definitions to ensure accuracy.
3. 'When you breakdown, you describe the detail; when you break down, things go and fail.'
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word 'breakdown' be used?
Breakdown should be used when wanting to perform an analysis or provide a descriptive report of something, usually in detail. It can also refer to a sudden failure or collapse.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word 'break down'?
The appropriate context for using the second word 'break down' is when wanting to express that something has ceased functioning, stopped working, or fallen apart.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
Yes, these words have similar pronunciation, so you have pay attention to the context to use the correct word.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
A common mistake is using the wrong form of the words when referring to a sudden failure or collapse (using the verb form instead of the noun).
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. After months of trying to fix the problem, the computer finally ____________.
2. The professor asked the students to ____________ the proposed solution into smaller steps.
3. The ____________ of the project revealed several potential areas for improvement.
4. After the accident, the car ____________ completely and had to be towed away.
5. The teacher asked the students to ____________ the poem into individual lines.
6. The engine ____________ after running for several hours without being serviced.
1. After months of trying to fix the problem, the computer finally broke down.
Explanation: The phrase break down is used to denote when something stops functioning properly after being used for a long period of time.
2. The professor asked the students to break down the proposed solution into smaller steps.
Explanation: The word breakdown is used to describe the process of breaking something into smaller components.
3. The breakdown of the project revealed several potential areas for improvement.
Explanation: The word breakdown is used to describe the process of analyzing something in detail.
4. After the accident, the car broke down completely and had to be towed away.
Explanation: The phrase break down is used to denote when something stops functioning properly after being used for a long period of time.
5. The teacher asked the students to break down the poem into individual lines.
Explanation: The word breakdown is used to describe the process of breaking something into smaller components.
6. The engine broke down after running for several hours without being serviced.
Explanation: The phrase break down is used to denote when something stops functioning properly after being used for a long period of time.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.