be broken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be broken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is expected to be damaged or not functioning properly. Example: "If the rules are not followed, trust can easily be broken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It could be broken.

Independent

Pledges can be broken.

The New York Times - Sports

The Kindle must be broken.

The New Yorker

That record may be broken.

The New York Times - Sports

It should be broken up.

The Economist

Rules will always be broken.

The New York Times

They must be broken up".

The New Yorker

Should banks be broken up?

The Economist

He could not be broken.

The New York Times

Because even that can be broken.

Independent

This long sentence could be broken up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional states, use "be broken" to convey a sense of deep sadness or defeat. For example, "His spirit seemed to be broken after the loss."

Common error

Avoid using "be broken" with concrete nouns when a more specific verb like "shatter", "crack", or "snap" would be more appropriate. For example, instead of "The glass will be broken", use "The glass will shatter."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be broken" functions as a passive verb construction. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of being broken. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from physical damage to violated agreements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be broken" is a versatile passive construction frequently used to describe something that is damaged, violated, or not functioning correctly. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, including news, wiki entries, and formal business communications. While it is generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider context and choose more descriptive verbs when referring to physical objects. Understanding these nuances will allow you to use "be broken" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become fractured

Focuses on the physical state of breaking, often referring to bones or materials.

be breached

Specifically refers to the breaking of a rule or agreement.

get violated

Emphasizes the breach of rules, promises, or agreements.

fall apart

Suggests a gradual disintegration or failure.

get ruptured

Focuses on the sudden breaking or bursting of something.

turn defective

Highlights the malfunctioning or non-operational aspect of an object or system.

prove faulty

Highlights a flaw or defect that causes a breakdown.

cease to function

Formally states the end of operational capacity.

become inoperative

Emphasizes the inability to operate or function.

grow invalid

Indicates a loss of validity, often in legal or formal contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "be broken" to describe something that is physically damaged (e.g., "The vase will be broken if you drop it") or to describe something that is violated or not functioning properly (e.g., "Promises should never be broken").

What are some alternatives to "be broken"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "be broken" include "be damaged", "be violated", or "be non-functional".

Which is correct: "the promise is broken" or "the promise will be broken"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "The promise is broken" describes a current state, while "the promise will be broken" describes a future state.

Is it appropriate to use "be broken" in formal writing?

Yes, "be broken" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing abstract concepts like rules, laws, or agreements. However, for physical objects, consider using more descriptive alternatives.