What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
breakdown
Example
My car had a breakdown on the highway and I had to call for assistance. [breakdown: noun]
Example
She experienced a breakdown after working long hours without rest. [breakdown: noun]
Example
Let's break down the problem into smaller steps to find a solution. [break down: phrasal verb]
Example
The report provides a breakdown of the company's expenses by category. [breakdown: noun]
collapse
Example
The old building collapsed after years of neglect. [collapsed: past tense]
Example
He collapsed from exhaustion after running a marathon. [collapsed: past tense]
Example
The economic system collapsed under the weight of corruption. [collapsed: past tense]
Example
The team's plan collapsed when their key player got injured. [collapsed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Collapse is more commonly used than breakdown in everyday language. Collapse is often associated with more dramatic and extreme situations, while breakdown is used in a wider range of contexts, including technical or analytical discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between breakdown and collapse?
Both breakdown and collapse can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, collapse may carry a slightly more serious and dramatic tone, while breakdown can be used in a more neutral or technical manner.
