become broken

USAGE SUMMARY

"become broken" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something transitioning from being intact or functioning to being broken. For example, "The vase had been standing in the hallway for years, but it eventually became broken from being moved too many times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

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

And the ultimate bill for not fixing the leaky roofs and not repairing things as they become broken is growing and growing.

University of California, Berkeley

They've also looked at what happens when the trade links between certain countries become broken as might happen during a war.

MIT Technology Review

If we invest in countries before they become broken, we might not end up spending so much on the problems that result.

The Guardian

So too in her intricate novel The Lowland, shortlisted for the Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction and Man Booker prize: tracing how brotherly bonds become broken by violent politics, it is suffused with sadness.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Household chores become breaking news.

The New York Times - Magazine

Isn't it ironic that it has become breaking news when it gets cold in Chicago?

Forbes

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

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

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become broken", ensure the context clearly indicates what is transitioning from a functional state to a state of being broken. For example, "The promise became broken due to unforeseen circumstances".

Common error

Ensure that it's clear what subject is "becoming broken". Avoid vague sentences like "Things became broken". Instead, be specific: "The agreement became broken after the negotiations failed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become broken" functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating a change of state. It describes the process of something transitioning from a state of wholeness or functionality to a state of being damaged or non-functional. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become broken" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the transition of something into a state of being damaged or non-functional. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, supported by numerous examples from diverse sources such as News & Media and Science, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When using "become broken", ensure clarity by specifying what is transitioning to a broken state, and consider related phrases like "fall apart" or "break down" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become damaged

Focuses on the state of being harmed or impaired, without necessarily implying a complete break.

break down

Suggests a failure of a system or mechanism, often implying a loss of function.

fall apart

Implies a gradual disintegration or failure, often in a physical or metaphorical sense, rather than a sudden break.

become defective

Implies a flaw or imperfection that leads to a failure or broken state.

deteriorate

Indicates a gradual decline in quality or condition, leading to a broken state.

give way

Emphasizes the act of collapsing or yielding under pressure.

cease to function

Highlights the loss of ability to perform its intended purpose.

become fractured

Specifically refers to cracking or splitting, but not necessarily complete separation.

succumb to damage

Emphasizes being unable to resist damage leading to a broken state.

be rendered inoperable

Focuses on the action that causes the item to no longer function.

FAQs

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

You can use "become broken" to describe something transitioning from a functional or intact state to a state of disrepair. For example, "The toy "became broken" after the child dropped it".

What is a synonym for "become broken"?

Alternatives to "become broken" include "fall apart", "break down", or "become damaged", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when something "becomes broken"?

When something "becomes broken", it means it has transitioned from a state of being whole or functional to a state of being damaged, fragmented, or non-functional. The extent of the damage can vary.

Is it better to say "become broken" or "became broken"?

"Become broken" is used in contexts where you are referring to a potential future state or a general possibility, while "became broken" is used when referring to a past event. For example, "The glass may "become broken" if it's mishandled," versus "The glass "became broken" when it was dropped".