Is my sentence correct?

Question

If we start talking about my close friend's death, I really can't control my emotions and I will be broken out (broken out means crying?). It is better not to discuss that topic.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Chandrasekhar Reddybroken out means crying?

No.

Deadrat · Answer

"Break out" has several meanings:

To have a skin infection: "I broke out in a rash" or "My skin was broken out from the chemicals."
To escape from prison. "Bonnie and Clyde broke out of jail" or "He was broken out of prison by his accomplices."
To suddenly do something emotionally: "She broke out in song." This meaning has no passive usage. You cannot be broken out in song.

"Broke down" means to be overcome emotionally. In this sense, you must use the phrase intransitively and in the active voice only: "I can't control my emotions and I break down." This has the sense of needing help as in machinery that has broken down.

If you use "broke down" transitively, it means disassemble: "I broke down the estimate by bidder."

I would rephrase your sentence as

I really can't control my emotions and I break down.
or
I really can't control my emotions and I break out in tears.

Chandrasekhar Reddy · Answer

Thanks all.

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