as broken as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as broken as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the state of something to being broken, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "After the argument, their friendship felt as broken as a shattered vase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

It meant that she was as broken as I was.

The New York Times

He seemed just about as broken as a young man can be.

The New York Times

The deal reached today shows that the political system is not as broken as many fear.

The Economist

Instead, I often feel as broken as you by life's unplanned course.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You'll be hard pushed to meet somebody as broken as Mickey Rourke.

The Guardian - Film

That's what most of us lack — the acceptance that others are as broken as we are".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

That is because, as broke as Washington is, the deficit has already been narrowed by almost $2.5 trillion over the coming decade.

The New York Times

In the 1970s and 1980s, scores of films were made about violent crime in New York, which was then as broke as Chicago is today.

The Economist

Critics sneered that Ms. Franklin, for all her accolades as an efficient leader, would leave Atlanta as broke as she had found it.

The New York Times

Even so, Republicans argued Wednesday that the federal government was just as broke as the states, and could not afford what they characterized as another bailout.

Los Angeles Times

Six of the 21 fibers were broken as soon as they were inserted.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as broken as" to draw a vivid comparison between two subjects, emphasizing the extent of their damage or dysfunction. For example, "His dreams were as broken as the shattered glass on the floor."

Common error

While "as broken as" is acceptable, overuse can diminish its impact. In formal writing, consider more nuanced alternatives like "equally damaged" or "similarly impaired" to convey a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as broken as" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe the extent to which something is damaged or dysfunctional by comparing it to another entity. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this comparative function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

HuffPost

16%

TechCrunch

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Forbes

4%

Critical Care

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as broken as" is a commonly used comparative phrase that serves to emphasize the degree of damage or dysfunction by drawing a parallel between two entities. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using "as broken as", consider the context and audience to ensure the comparison is appropriate. While effective, avoid overuse in formal settings by exploring alternative phrases like "equally damaged" or "as impaired", as the overuse could make it appear monotonous. Ludwig AI provides confirmation of its validity and many examples of its use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equally damaged

Emphasizes the equivalent extent of damage or harm.

just as shattered

Highlights the comparable state of being fragmented or destroyed, often emotionally.

as dysfunctional

Focuses on the equivalent impairment of function or operation.

in equally bad shape

Indicates a similar state of disrepair or poor condition.

similarly fractured

Suggests an equivalent state of being cracked or split, metaphorically or literally.

as impaired

Highlights a parallel state of being diminished or weakened.

identically ruined

Emphasizes the matching state of destruction or devastation.

comparably devastated

Indicates an equivalent state of being overwhelmed or destroyed emotionally.

on par with brokenness

Expresses a state of being equally damaged and beyond repair.

akin to being wrecked

Suggests a comparable state of severe damage or destruction.

FAQs

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

The phrase "as broken as" is used to compare the degree of brokenness between two things. For example, "The vase was "as broken as" my heart after she left."

What are some alternatives to "as broken as"?

You can use alternatives such as "equally damaged", "just as shattered", or "as dysfunctional" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "as broken as"?

Yes, "as broken as" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate a similar state of damage or disrepair. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability.

What's the difference between "as broken as" and "as damaged as"?

While both phrases are similar, "as broken as" often implies a more complete or irreparable state of damage, whereas "as damaged as" might suggest that something is harmed but still potentially fixable.