a broken machine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broken machine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a machine that is not functioning properly or is damaged. Example: "The factory had to halt production because a broken machine was causing delays in the assembly line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Mr. Brattin was grieving over a broken machine.

The New York Times - Tech

Heidi's mother knows 23 words and is childlike, a "broken machine" according to Bernadette, their eccentric next-door neighbor in Reno, Nev.

The New York Times - Books

Meanwhile, the taste of my blood implies that I am rusting, that a broken machine lies half-submerged in the pond I carry with me.

The New Yorker

When he bought me a soda in the Post's decrepit employee cafeteria, coffee from a broken machine was spewing onto the floor, but he stepped around the torrent without comment.

The New Yorker

Without this, and if some trusts struggle to qualify for urgent government support, we risk the worst possible outcome of the NHS becoming a broken cog in a broken machine.

The Guardian

He was the guy who, in the slapstick scene, sees all the engineers futzing with a broken machine -- and then realizes that no one has thought to plug it in.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

A few broken machines in the Bronx, for instance, could make a difference in a tight four-way mayoral primary, he said.

The New York Times

However, in the morning peak period at my local station, there is frequently a lengthy queue at the ticket office, a broken ticket machine, and a switched-off Permit to Travel machine.

Independent

That's not unreasonable for someone who thinks a broken legislative machine is better than one that efficiently produces an undesirable result, but it doesn't sit well with the machine's operators.

The New York Times

"It speaks to a broken political machine and status of the status quo," she said.

The Washington Post

"It feels like there's a broken washing machine inside my chest".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a complex system failure, specify which "component" is "a broken machine" to give a precise explanation. For example, 'The printing press is down because the feeder, a broken machine, needs replacement.'

Common error

Avoid using "a broken machine" as a lazy metaphor for human emotions or societal issues without careful consideration. Ensure the analogy is relevant and adds depth, rather than sounding cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broken machine" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "broken" modifies the noun "machine". It describes a machine that is not in working order. As Ludwig AI explains, this is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broken machine" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a machine that is not functioning properly. Ludwig AI confirms this. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While the phrase is straightforward, it's essential to consider more descriptive alternatives, such as "malfunctioning device" or "faulty apparatus", depending on the context. Remember to use the phrase judiciously in metaphorical contexts to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a malfunctioning device

Replaces "machine" with "device" and "broken" with "malfunctioning", focusing on the improper function.

a faulty apparatus

Substitutes "machine" with "apparatus" and "broken" with "faulty", indicating a defect.

a defective mechanism

Uses "mechanism" instead of "machine" and "defective" instead of "broken", highlighting a flaw in the workings.

an out-of-order appliance

Focuses on household machines using "appliance", and uses "out-of-order" which is a common phrase.

a non-operational system

Emphasizes the systemic failure using "system" instead of "machine" and "non-operational" for "broken".

a damaged piece of equipment

Replaces "machine" with the more general term "equipment" and "broken" with "damaged".

a wrecked contraption

Uses "contraption" as a more whimsical alternative to "machine", and "wrecked" for stronger damage.

a shattered mechanism

Uses "mechanism" as a replacement for "machine" and uses "shattered" instead of "broken".

a crippled device

Substitutes "machine" with "device" and "broken" with "crippled", suggesting impairment of function.

a disabled machine

Uses "disabled" to mean "not working", providing a more neutral alternative to "broken".

FAQs

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

You can use "a broken machine" to describe a device that is not functioning correctly. For example, "The factory had to halt production because of "a broken machine" on the assembly line."

What are some alternatives to "a broken machine"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a malfunctioning device", "a faulty apparatus", or "an out-of-order appliance".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a broken machine"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The adjective "broken" correctly modifies the noun "machine", indicating its state of disrepair.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a broken machine"?

It's appropriate when you need to clearly and directly communicate that a piece of equipment is not working due to damage or malfunction. It's also used metaphorically to describe something that is not working as it should be, such as "a broken system".