Break Down - English Phrasal Verb Lessons

source: Twominute English     2013年7月31日
'Break down' is a phrasal verb. Such phrases have different meanings than what they mean literally. The meaning of this phrasal verb is to end a dispute successfully or to stop resisting something. It can also mean to start crying, remove an obstacle or even a machine malfunction. In this English tutorial video, you will learn about this phrasal verb and how to use it in your conversations.
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0:06 In this lesson, let's learn about the meaning and use of the phrasal verb ‘break down'.
0:18 Let's discuss the phrasal verb ‘break down' today.
0:23 I know a bit about it. ‘Break down' means crying.
0:27 You're right. When one is unable to control his emotions he or she may break down in tears.
0:34 However, ‘break down' can also mean a damage in a machine or a car when it stops working.
0:42 Funny you've mentioned it. My car broke down earlier today!
0:46 Ouch! Sorry about that, Nina. But ‘break down' also means to resolve something, ending a long dispute.
0:54 For example: ‘Finally the case broke down when Henry agreed to compensate'.
1:00 Yes, ‘break down' means solving a task. This phrasal verb also means an in-depth analysis of something, breaking something else into parts.
1:11 Exactly! A complex problem may be solved by breaking it down to a number of smaller steps or parts.
1:20 Absolutely! It means to divide into smaller parts or to separate.
1:24 But it also means to force someone to give up, to tell a secret or make make someone agree to do something.
1:31 Yeah! Like breaking up a terrorist group! That's breaking down something. Now, breaking down something also means to destroy or ruin it.
1:42 So many possibilities! We should listen to some conversations with examples now.
1:48 Great idea!
1:55 Ron, why don't you service your car?
1:58 I will do it in the evening.
2:01 It might break down any moment now.
2:03 Yeah, I know. My dad finally broke down and gave me some money to get it fixed.
2:09 Good for you!
2:17 Ron, can you look at this math problem?
2:20 Hmmm...linear algebra. It's always better to break down such problems into smaller steps.
2:27 Wow! You've always been so good in solving problems!
2:31 I wish I could be so quick with real life problems too. They break me down all the time.
2:38 Don't worry, Ron. These family matters are just a temporary bother.
2:50 Why so gloomy today, Candice?
2:52 Nothing much, I had to lock horns with my brother.
2:56 What happened?
2:57 He broke down the dog house.
3:00 Then?
3:02 Then what? He ruined it, so I broke down crying.
3:06 Sorry to hear it!
3:09 That's fine. He promised to build a new one today.
3:15 My car broke down earlier today!

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