Phrasal Verbs

break down (1)

This page is about the phrasal verb break down (1)

Meaning

If a machine or a vehicle breaks down, it stops working because of a mechanical problem.

Synonym

conk out (informal)

For example

  • break down Our bus broke down so we had to get out and wait for another one to come.

  • break down Production has stopped because one of the machines at our factory has broken down.

Quick Quiz

My car broke down on the way, so I had to

a. drive back home

b. call for a tow truck

c. change a tyre
a) drive back home b) call for a tow truck c) change a tyre

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1000 Phrasal Verbs in Context

Contributor: Matt Errey