a broken frame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broken frame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical object that is damaged or not functioning properly, often referring to a picture frame or a structural frame. Example: "The artist decided to display her work in a new gallery, but she was disappointed to find that the only frame available was a broken frame."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The image for "A Broken Frame" is meant to resemble a romantic painting, a mixture of man-made lighting, endless fields, and the foreboding, gray clouds.

The New Yorker

His cover for Depeche Mode's album "A Broken Frame," from 1982, shows a woman cutting grain in an East Anglian field.

The New Yorker

No coincidence, then, that the new album begins with an inspirational song called, "Stand," which offers reassurance by way of confusing similes: "You feel like a candle in a hurricane/ Just like a picture with a broken frame".

The New York Times

And upon his arrest, he was found to be carrying a pair of eyeglasses with a broken frame and an inmate identification card -- two items the victim had reported seeing him drop and retrieve during the attack.

The New York Times

However, using 16 or 8 for B will obtain better concealment results since selecting 4 for B would result in a broken frame.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The broken frame is a hazard, but it cannot be repaired until the claim is accepted.

The Guardian - Money

The shelter, which they said fills with water during storms, is dominated by a mahogany bed salvaged from their house, its broken frame bound together with string, "like a photocopy of the original," his mother said.

The New York Times

A lobby card for the film was found in a box of broken frames at a flea market in Rowley, Massachusetts.

Wikipedia

On the ground next to the other was a broken photo frame with no photograph.

Los Angeles Times

Fix a broken photo frame.

WikiHow

She pointed to the broken frame of the bed he was carrying in his hands, and a knowing look crossed her son's face.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a broken frame", consider the specific type of frame you're referring to—picture frame, structural frame, or metaphorical frame of mind—to ensure clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "a broken frame" when a more specific adjective would be more accurate. For example, instead of "a broken frame", use "a cracked frame" if the damage is a simple crack, or "a shattered frame" if the frame is in multiple pieces.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broken frame" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "broken" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "frame". Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing physical objects and metaphorical situations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a broken frame" is a grammatically sound and usable English phrase that describes a damaged or flawed frame, either literally or metaphorically. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use spans various contexts. While its frequency is relatively rare, awareness of its proper usage and potential alternatives ensures effective communication. Key considerations include specifying the type of frame and avoiding overgeneralization of the damage. The phrase appears most often in News & Media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a damaged framework

Replaces 'frame' with 'framework' emphasizing structural damage.

a shattered border

Substitutes 'broken' with 'shattered' and 'frame' with 'border', highlighting a more forceful breakage.

a faulty structure

Uses 'faulty' instead of 'broken' and 'structure' in place of 'frame', indicating an inherent flaw.

a defective enclosure

Replaces 'broken' with 'defective' and 'frame' with 'enclosure', suggesting a manufacturing error.

an impaired surround

Uses 'impaired' for 'broken' and 'surround' for 'frame', implying reduced functionality.

a fractured casing

Replaces 'broken' with 'fractured' and 'frame' with 'casing', referring to cracks in a container.

a collapsed support

Substitutes 'broken' with 'collapsed' and 'frame' with 'support', emphasizing the inability to hold.

a compromised perimeter

Uses 'compromised' instead of 'broken' and 'perimeter' in place of 'frame', indicating reduced security.

a cracked mount

Replaces 'broken' with 'cracked' and 'frame' with 'mount', suggesting visible fissures in a fixture.

a ruptured surround

Uses 'ruptured' for 'broken' and 'surround' for 'frame', implying a sudden break.

FAQs

How can I use "a broken frame" in a sentence?

You can use "a broken frame" to describe a damaged picture frame, a structural component, or even a metaphorical situation. For instance, "The painting was beautiful, but it was housed in "a broken frame"." or "His argument had "a broken frame", so it could not stand up to debate".

What are some alternatives to saying "a broken frame"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a damaged frame", "a shattered frame", or "a faulty structure".

Is it correct to say "a broken frame"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "a broken frame". It follows standard English grammar rules and is commonly understood.

What does "a broken frame" typically refer to?

"A broken frame" typically refers to a physical frame, such as a picture frame, that is damaged. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is flawed or incomplete, as confirmed by Ludwig.