become broke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become broke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of losing all one's money or financial resources. Example: "After several poor investments, he began to worry that he would become broke."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Meanwhile, China lends so much money to the United States that mortgage brokers and bond traders can become richer than they ever imagined for a few years and then, just as quickly, become broke and unemployed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ackman, 41, has been stalking the bond-insurance companies for years with a strong hunch they'd become broke overnight and would earn him a windfall by betting on their demise.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He had built a successful construction business three years earlier and when the market dried up the homebuilder and his family became broke and could not even afford a home of their own.

HuffPost

No one really knows how much it takes to run a school optimally, or at which point the system will become so broke that it is no longer viable.

The Guardian

"These people don't want us to have eggs; they don't want people to eat meat". It's hard to imagine someone skilled enough to get elected to represent Iowa's citizens in a legislative body actually dumb enough to believe this, but agribusiness has their talking points down cold: Videos bad, people will become vegans, Iowa will go broke.

HuffPost

It's hard to imagine someone skilled enough to get elected to represent Iowa's citizens in a legislative body actually dumb enough to believe this, but agribusiness has their talking points down cold: Videos bad, people will become vegans, Iowa will go broke.

Huffington Post

"The original heater designs for the exterior heater material, such as tungsten wire, tantalum, and alumina did not work for us they all become brittle and broke.

Princeton University

But instead of doing paying my debt, I spend my money frivolously and become once again broke.

SEP

But ripping teachers seems to be the new pastime in Michigan, where we've somehow decided that greedy educators are the reason why our state has become a dismal, broke failure.

Huffington Post

You'll become a flat broke.

WikiHow

That this means we go broke fast, too, is something that we have become very good at forgetting.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become broke" to describe the process of losing financial stability rather than a static state. It emphasizes the transition into being without money, consider using alternatives like "go broke" or "become bankrupt" for higher formality.

Common error

Avoid using "become broke" in highly formal or professional settings. Opt for alternatives like "become insolvent" or "declare bankruptcy" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become broke" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process or transition into a state of financial destitution. As Ludwig AI notes, it describes the act of losing money and assets, leading to a condition of being without funds.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become broke" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the process of losing financial resources and entering a state of having no money. While accurate, it is less common than similar phrases such as ""go broke"" or ""become bankrupt"", with Ludwig AI confirming its usability in written English. The phrase is mostly found in news and media contexts and should be avoided in formal settings in favor of more professional alternatives. While the phrase is understandable, it carries a less formal tone and is best used when emphasizing the transition into financial hardship rather than the state of being broke itself. It's advisable to use stronger alternatives for formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go bankrupt

This phrase implies a formal declaration of inability to pay debts, often involving legal proceedings.

become insolvent

This suggests an inability to pay debts as they fall due, a more formal term than "become broke".

run out of money

This is a simple, direct way to say someone has no money left.

lose everything

Implies a complete loss of assets and financial security.

be left with nothing

Implies a loss of all possessions and financial resources.

end up penniless

This suggests a state of utter poverty and lack of resources.

fall into poverty

Describes the process of becoming poor over time.

become destitute

Indicates a severe state of poverty, often implying dependence on public assistance.

become impoverished

A more formal way to describe becoming poor, often due to systemic factors.

be cleaned out

Suggests that someone has lost all their money, often through gambling or fraud.

FAQs

What does it mean to "become broke"?

To "become broke" means to lose all or most of your money and financial resources, transitioning into a state of being without funds.

What can I say instead of "become broke"?

You can use alternatives like "go bankrupt", "run out of money", or "become insolvent" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "become broke"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but it is less common than alternatives like "go broke" or "become bankrupt". Ludwig AI confirms that it is a usable phrase in written English.

Which is better, "become broke" or "go broke"?

"Go broke" is generally more common and idiomatic. "Become broke" is also correct, but it may sound slightly less natural in everyday conversation.