Meaning trap

break down

stop working

If a machine or vehicle breaks down, it stops working and cannot be used until it is fixed.

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

stop working

If a machine or vehicle breaks down, it stops working and cannot be used until it is fixed.

break down (lose emotional control)

Another meaning of 'break down' is 'lose emotional control'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

My car broke down on the way to work this morning.daily life
During my trip, our train broke down for two hours, which made us miss our connection.IELTS speaking

Pattern: Subject + break down

WrongMy laptop broke down, so I can't open the file.

RightMy laptop crashed / stopped working, so I can't open the file.

'Break down' suits vehicles and big machines; for computers/phones natives usually say 'crash' or 'stop working'.

PatternSubject + break down

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The vehicle ceased to function on the motorway.

Natural The car broke down on the motorway.

'Break down' is the natural verb for a machine failing; 'ceased to function' is over-formal.

Words that usually travel with it.

Not the same as 'break' (to damage something physically).

break down (lose emotional control) — Another meaning of 'break down' is 'lose emotional control'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.