What does break down mean?

Yolana · Mon Apr 23, 2007 20:11 pm *What does break down mean?*

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #148 "Idioms with the phrasal verb break", question 8

Teachers in Sydney have decided to call a snap strike next week after negotiations with the State Government over a ten per cent pay increase ......... early this morning.

(a) broke into
(b) broke down
(c) broke open
(d) broke up

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #148 "Idioms with the phrasal verb break", answer 8

Teachers in Sydney have decided to call a snap strike next week after negotiations with the State Government over a ten per cent pay increase broke down early this morning.

Correct answer: (b) broke down
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Why do you use break for this message?

Yolana

Mister Micawber · Wed Apr 25, 2007 0:45 am *What does break down mean?*

.
The idiomatic phrasal verb is break down = collapse; destroy; cease to be useful, effective, or operable.
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Lost_Soul · Wed Apr 25, 2007 6:37 am *What does break down mean?*

Diverhank · Wed Apr 25, 2007 7:27 am *What does break down mean?*

With a plural noun (with "s"), "the" is left out since it's not necessary and is clumsy.

Alan · Wed Apr 25, 2007 20:20 pm *What does break down mean?*

Hi lost_soul,

The point is that negotiations here are general. The article 'the' is used before 'State Government', which is where the specfic idea come in. You could say: I am having/I had discussions with the manager about my salary.

Alan
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