Difference Between Breakdown and Break Down in Simple English

Understanding the Difference: Breakdown vs. Break Down

In English, “breakdown” and “break down” are two different terms. They look similar but have different meanings and uses. Let’s learn how to use them simply.

History of the Words

The word “breakdown” has been used since the early 1900s. It is a noun. It means something that stops working or a kind of failure. The words “break” and “down” together make the verb “break down,” which has been used for a long time. It means to make something into smaller parts or to stop working.

How to Use Them

“Breakdown” (One word, noun)

• A machine failure or stop.
• An emotional stop or problem.

“Break down” (Two words, verb)

• To make something into smaller parts.
• To stop working, like a machine.

Examples for “Breakdown” (noun)

1. The car had a breakdown on the road.
2. After the power breakdown, the lights went out.
3. He suffered a nervous breakdown at work.
4. The breakdown in communication caused problems.
5. We faced a breakdown of the phone system last week.

Examples for “Break Down” (verb)

1. Let’s break down this problem into small steps.
2. The old truck might break down during the trip.
3. After a while, wood can rot and break down.
4. We will break down the data for better understanding.
5. Sometimes, computers break down due to viruses.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Remember, “breakdown” is one word and a noun. Use it when talking about something that stops working, like a car. “Break down” is two words and a verb. Use it when talking about making something smaller or a machine stopping work.

Summary

Use “breakdown” when you want to talk about failures or stops that are a thing (like a car or a nervous breakdown). Use “break down” when you are describing an action, like making something into less or when a machine stops working.