Meaning trap
break down
explain in parts
To break something down means to explain it by dividing it into smaller, simpler parts.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To break something down means to explain it by dividing it into smaller, simpler parts.
Another meaning of 'break down' is 'stop working'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- Let me break down the process so everyone understands.study
- In my presentation, I broke down the main points to make them clearer for the audience.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: Break down + object
WrongLet me break down it step by step.
RightLet me break it down step by step.
With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'break it down'.
PatternBreak down + object
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Break down' is the everyday verb for explaining something part by part; 'disaggregate into constituent components' is jargon.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
break down + into partsthe coststhe stepsthe datait for me
Don't confuse it
Not about machines or emotions, but about information or tasks.
Related
- break down (stop working) — Another meaning of 'break down' is 'stop working'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.