became broken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became broken" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of something changing from an unbroken or intact state to a broken or damaged state. For example, "The vase became broken after it fell off the shelf."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

With changes in urban functions, horizontal landscapes became broken, but patch shapes did not manifest obvious changes.

Ecological Indicators

Its hands became broken and twisted at 11 16 a.m., when the quake hit.

The New York Times

The results can still be seen in some parts of Seville, where housing blocks for Gypsies became broken down tenements.

The New York Times

It takes a rare talent to breath them into passages like this: After a while they left the hedges behind, the land became broken and uneven, but they did not falter.

The Guardian - Books

The clouds became broken, and fled; the azure sky first peeped out, and then was spread a calm field of blue above us; the stormy gale was exchanged to the softly breathing west; the sea grew calm; the waves dwindled to riplets.

Columbia University

I couldn't find myself in his epic odes to, presumably, young white men, with girls on the back of their motorcycles, racing through or away from suburban towns that couldn't contain their grand hopes hopes that became broken dreams, or just real life, with deadening factory work, kids on the lawn.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Police reports show his specialty became breaking into cars with a rock at public parks.

The New York Times

In the Philippines we say that when the mother goes abroad, the family becomes broken.

The Guardian

"That's how life gets its burdens and becomes broken," a hunter tells Ehrlich.

The New York Times - Books

Domestically, the line dividing those for and against the peace process would blur, or rather become broken.

The Economist

I was embarrassed and the people that did what they did to me were really…" Her sentences become broken.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or relationships that have deteriorated, "became broken" effectively conveys a sense of damage or irreparable harm. Use it to emphasize the negative transition, as in "the relationship became broken after the betrayal".

Common error

While "became broken" is suitable for conveying a figurative sense of damage, opt for more specific verbs such as "shattered", "cracked", or "smashed" when describing physical objects. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became broken" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting the subject to the adjective "broken", which describes the resulting state. It indicates a transformation or change of state from whole to damaged, as validated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became broken" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe the process of something transitioning into a damaged or non-functional state. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and appropriate for describing this transformation. Its usage spans diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific literature, indicating its widespread applicability. When using this phrase, consider the specific context and whether more descriptive alternatives like "became damaged" or "became fractured" might be more suitable. Avoiding overuse in overly literal physical contexts, and instead emphasizing figurative or abstract concepts, will enhance the impact of your writing. The phrase is common in usage and authoritative sources like the New York Times and The Guardian support its validity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became damaged

Focuses on the physical harm or impairment sustained.

became fractured

Implies a crack or split, often in a literal sense.

became inoperable

Highlights the loss of functionality or ability to operate.

became fragmented

Suggests breaking into smaller pieces or parts.

became disrupted

Indicates an interruption or disturbance of a process or state.

became impaired

Emphasizes a reduction in quality, strength, or effectiveness.

fell apart

A more colloquial way to describe something breaking down or disintegrating.

ceased to function

A formal way to state that something stopped working.

was rendered useless

Focuses on the consequence of the damage, emphasizing the lack of utility.

succumbed to damage

Suggests a yielding to destructive forces.

FAQs

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

You can use "became broken" to describe something that transitioned from an intact or functional state to a damaged or non-functional one. For example, "The agreement "became broken" due to disagreements".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "became broken"?

Some alternatives include "became damaged", "became fractured", or "became inoperable", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "became broken"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Became" is a linking verb, and "broken" is an adjective describing the state that something has transitioned into.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "became broken"?

It is appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize a transition to a state of being damaged, non-functional, or fractured, either literally or figuratively. This can range from physical objects to abstract concepts.