“Break down” and “break up” are two common phrasal verbs in English, but they mean very different things. Let’s look at each one step by step, with simple meanings and clear examples so you can understand how to use them.
1. Break Down
“Break down” has a few common uses, mostly related to machines, emotions, or dividing something into parts.
a) When a machine stops working
- This is a very common meaning.
- You use it when a car, computer, or machine stops working.
Examples:
- “My car broke down on the way to work.”
- “The elevator broke down again.”
b) When a person becomes very emotional
- This is used when someone starts crying or can’t control their emotions.
Examples:
- “She broke down in tears after hearing the news.”
- “He broke down during the interview.”
c) To divide something into smaller parts
- You can also use “break down” when you explain something step by step.
Examples:
- “Let me break down the plan for you.”
- “The teacher broke down the topic into small parts.”
2. Break Up
“Break up” is mostly used to talk about relationships or dividing things.
a) To end a romantic relationship
- This is the most common meaning.
Examples:
- “They broke up after five years together.”
- “I heard she broke up with her boyfriend.”
b) To separate something into smaller parts
- This can be used for things like groups, fights, or objects.
Examples:
- “The police broke up the fight.”
- “The teacher broke up the group into pairs.”
c) To stop for a break (especially in schools in British English)
- This is less common in American English.
Example:
- “The school breaks up for the holidays next week.”
Summary Table
| Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Break down | Machine stops working | “The car broke down.” |
| Person becomes emotional | “She broke down in tears.” | |
| Explain or divide into parts | “Break down the steps clearly.” | |
| Break up | End a relationship | “They broke up last year.” |
| Separate a group or stop a fight | “The teacher broke up the fight.” | |
| School stops for a break (UK) | “School breaks up in June.” |
Both phrases use “break,” but the meaning changes a lot depending on the second word. Use this guide to help you choose the right one in conversations.