break a phone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break a phone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of causing a phone to become non-functional or damaged. Example: "I accidentally dropped my phone and now I think I might have broken a phone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Software can make or break a phone".

The New York Times - Tech

It may be that the only thing that can break a phone call's inattentional spell is an e-mail, to judge by that conspicuous silence or keyboard tapping at the other end of the line.

The New Yorker

It doesn't take much to break a phone screen.

TechCrunch

Who could have guessed that simple gestures like pinch-to-zoom would make or break a phone experience for some people?

TechCrunch

It's not all that surprising — it's a somewhat precarious place where you could easily break a phone — but those destinations should also be homes, coffee shops, or even for travelers who just accidentally smashed their phones.

TechCrunch

One night in July 2012, Shultz got a break — a phone call from a Publix in Pinellas County, about 20 miles from Tampa.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Despite the risk of losing or breaking a phone that holds all of one's contacts, many concede that they do not back up the information.

The New York Times

They tried to break a pay phone, then called the police to confess to their crimes, hanging up and running away before the police could arrive on the scene.

The New Yorker

Software on the phone automatically uploads changes made on the handset, and if the original phone is lost or broken, a new phone can automatically download the data.

The New York Times - Tech

But this is not always the case — Apple has requested that the FBI disclose the vulnerability it used to break into a phone used by the San Bernardino shooter, but the FBI has not done so.

TechCrunch

In the best-case scenario for someone trying to break into a phone, after 10 guesses an iPhone demands that the user wait an hour before trying again.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "break a phone", consider the degree of damage. Alternatives like "smash", "crack", or "disable" can provide more specific context.

Common error

Avoid attributing all phone malfunctions to physical damage. Software glitches or battery failures can also "disable" a phone, even if it isn't physically "broken".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break a phone" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action that renders a phone non-functional or damaged. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes the act of causing a phone to become unusable. Examples in Ludwig highlight contexts where phones are physically damaged or rendered inoperable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break a phone" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the action of damaging a phone, often rendering it unusable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news and media contexts, encompassing both physical damage and technical malfunctions. When using this phrase, consider the specific context and whether alternatives like "damage a phone" or "disable a phone" might be more precise. While generally neutral in register, awareness of the specific type of damage and its cause will enhance clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

damage a phone

Replaces "break" with a more general term for causing harm.

smash a phone

Indicates a more forceful and destructive action than simply "break".

crack a phone screen

Focuses specifically on damaging the screen of the phone.

destroy a phone

Implies complete and irreparable damage to the phone.

disable a phone

Focuses on making the phone non-functional, possibly without physical damage.

brick a phone

A slang term indicating a phone is rendered completely unusable.

unlock a phone

Implies bypassing security measures, often for repair or unauthorized access.

hack into a phone

Refers to gaining unauthorized access to a phone's system.

gain access to a phone

Describes accessing a phone's data, regardless of the method used.

compromise a phone

Implies weakening the phone's security, making it vulnerable.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "break a phone"?

You can use alternatives like "damage a phone", "smash a phone", or "crack a phone screen" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "broke a phone" or "break a phone"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they are used in different tenses. "Break a phone" is the infinitive form. "Broke a phone" is the past tense form.

What does it mean to "brick a phone"?

To "brick a phone" means to render it completely unusable, like a brick. This usually happens due to software corruption during an update or modification.

What's the difference between "damage a phone" and "break a phone"?

"Damage a phone" is a broader term indicating any kind of harm, while "break a phone" suggests a more severe damage rendering it non-functional.