break the window

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break the window" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of shattering or damaging a window, often in a context of urgency or necessity. Example: "In case of an emergency, you may need to break the window to escape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Give him a brick, let him break the window out.

The New York Times - Sports

Don't break the window until the rain stops," Samantha implored.

The New York Times

It felt like we were on an airplane and Lina was about to break the window.

The New Yorker

"The guy managed to break the window and he draped his hands through the window.

The New York Times - Sports

He said they tried throwing rocks to break the window where the people were trapped.

The New York Times

"We told them to jump, break the window and jump, but nobody responded," Mr. Bissoondial said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"Keith don't let them break the windows.

The New York Times

The students would break the windows of college buildings, and the university guards would attack them.

The New Yorker

This prompted a volley of snowballs at them, which then evolved into attempts to break the windows.

Princeton University

"Keith, don't let them break the windows!" she says, her voice quivering.

Los Angeles Times

I say, if you see pets locked in a hot car, break the windows!

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, consider the connotations of "break the window". It can imply desperation, violation, or a necessary act of defiance.

Common error

Avoid using "break the window" when describing minor damage or accidental incidents. Opt for milder terms like "chip" or "scratch" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break the window" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "break" is the verb indicating the action, and "the window" is the direct object. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in various contexts to describe the act of shattering a window.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break the window" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of shattering a window. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in various contexts. With numerous examples available, its usage spans across news, wiki, and general discussions, indicating a neutral to informal register. While synonyms like "shatter the glass" or "smash the pane" exist, "break the window" remains a direct and widely understood way to convey this action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shatter the glass

Replaces "break" with "shatter" and "window" with "glass", focusing on the material being broken.

smash the pane

Uses "smash" instead of "break" and "pane" for "window", emphasizing forceful impact and a specific part of the window.

fracture the glass

Focuses on the fracturing of the glass material.

crack the windshield

Specifies "windshield" instead of a general "window", implying a car context.

bust the window

Replaces "break" with the more informal "bust".

destroy the window

Highlights the action of ruining the window.

force open the window

Shifts focus from breaking to the purpose of opening, implying some resistance.

demolish the window

Emphasizes a more complete destruction of the window.

compromise the window

Focuses on damaging the integrity of the window, not necessarily complete breakage.

breach the window

Implies creating an opening or access point through the window, often in a security context.

FAQs

How can I use "break the window" in a sentence?

You can use "break the window" to describe an action of shattering a window, such as in an emergency: "In case of a fire, "break the window" to escape."

What are some alternatives to "break the window"?

Alternatives include "shatter the glass", "smash the pane", or "crack the windshield", each varying slightly in intensity and context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "break the window"?

Yes, "break the window" is grammatically correct. "Break" functions as a verb, "the" is a definite article, and "window" is a noun. It follows standard English sentence structure.

When is it appropriate to use "break the window" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "break the window" when describing a forceful or necessary act of damaging or shattering a window, especially in situations involving emergencies, crime, or acts of defiance.