They really broke up

[Harjinder1]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #742 "'Break' Common Usages (2)", question 6

I'm really proud of Sam and his father. They really broke ......... the communication barriers that previously existed and their father-son relationship is so good now.

(a) up
(b) above
(c) from
(d) down

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #742 "'Break' Common Usages (2)", answer 6

I'm really proud of Sam and his father. They really broke down the communication barriers that previously existed and their father-son relationship is so good now.

Correct answer: (d) down

Your answer was: incorrect
I'm really proud of Sam and his father. They really broke up the communication barriers that previously existed and their father-son relationship is so good now.
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hello sir, why you selected down rather than up here,actuly read so many time break up ,thats why i also selected broke up .explain please

Harjinder

[Alan]

Hi,

Have a look at these uses of 'break'.

http://www.english-test.net/lessons/53/index.html

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Beeesneees]

to break up with someone is to end a boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife relationship.

If you break down a wall or barrier, then you get beyond it.
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Cheers m' dears!

[Puppet]

Hi,

Is it common to say ''broke up'' for the relationship between the father and his son?
I thought that was merely for love thing or marriage thing.

[Beeesneees]

Hi Puppet,

You wouldn't expect a father and son to break up. Did you misread (or perhaps miss) my post?
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Cheers m' dears!

[Puppet]

Oh ! sorry ..

I didn't read the first post .. up there.

Yes I cought it right now. "break up'' for love thing and ''break down'' for the rest.

Very nice! we're stepping up.