barely broken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barely broken" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means something that is only slightly damaged or injured. Example: The vase was barely broken when I accidentally knocked it off the shelf.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

She has barely broken a sweat.

The New Yorker

But Ramirez had barely broken into a jog.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, I dithered; I had seen so many treadmills at garage sales, barely broken in.

The New Yorker

A day later, the video had barely broken 100 views, with just a few comments.

The New York Times

4.46pm BST Fuglsang, leading the chase group, chats to Nibali, who has barely broken sweat.

The Guardian - Sport

She barely broken a sweat in reaching her fifth United States Open final without dropping a set.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Many builders barely broke stride.

The New York Times

"She barely broke 6 minutes.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were barely breaking even at 27p.

Independent

"No," she spat, barely breaking stride.

Independent

The first year, they barely broke even.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something that's "barely broken", consider whether you want to emphasize the small amount of damage or the fact that it's still functional. This will guide your word choice and the overall tone of your description.

Common error

Avoid using "barely broken" when the item is significantly damaged. This phrase implies the damage is minimal, so using it inappropriately can mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely broken" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun by indicating a state of minimal damage or disruption. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct, as shown in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "barely broken" is a grammatically correct adjectival modifier used to describe something with minimal damage or impact. Ludwig AI's analysis highlights that this phrase is commonly found in news and media, as well as in scientific and formal business contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various forms of writing. To avoid misinterpretation, ensure the damage described is genuinely slight. Consider using alternatives like "slightly damaged" or "hardly damaged" based on context to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly damaged

Focuses specifically on the degree of physical damage.

hardly damaged

Emphasizes the minimal extent of the damage.

minimally impacted

Highlights the slight effect or influence.

scarcely affected

Emphasizes that there was very little alteration.

just barely touched

Indicates the slightest contact or effect.

almost intact

Highlights the nearness to being undamaged.

near mint condition

Describes the state of something barely used or touched.

lightly used

Implies minimal use and therefore minimal wear.

only slightly worn

Expresses small amount of wear and tear.

hardly touched

Indicates minimal use or consumption.

FAQs

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

You can use "barely broken" to describe something that has sustained minimal damage, such as "The antique vase was "barely broken" after the fall".

What are some alternatives to saying "barely broken"?

You can use alternatives such as "slightly damaged", "hardly damaged", or "minimally impacted" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "barely broken"?

Yes, "barely broken" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules for combining an adverb ("barely") with a past participle ("broken").

What's the difference between "barely broken" and "completely broken"?

"Barely broken" implies minimal damage, while "completely broken" means the item is irreparable or no longer functional. The former suggests a minor flaw, the latter a total failure.