broke

USAGE SUMMARY

'broke' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is commonly used as an adjective to describe someone or something that is no longer able to function or that has lost a great deal of money. For example, "After his stocks crashed, he was broke."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: GPs are exhausted, A&E is overrun and hospitals are broke.

The Guardian

Many of these councils are coming because they have no other means of raising serious cash: three decades after Thatcher's rate caps, and four years into the most painful cuts faced by local government, they are flat broke.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 2010, notwithstanding the notorious note left by the retiring chief secretary to the Treasury, we were not broke.

The Guardian - Business

Worse still for the "united Ireland now" lobby is the undeniable fact that the Republic is flat broke and would be unable to afford the billions the UK Treasury pumps into Northern Ireland each year.

The Guardian

Last season, Republic, who play at USL level, broke league attendance records on their way to winning their first championship.

The Guardian - Sport

Hillary Clinton's family was "dead broke" and saddled with legal bills when she and her husband, Bill, left the White House, the former first lady has revealed.

The Guardian

Broke by the early Fifties, he kept working and has prospered ever since, having one of the longest careers in film history.

The Guardian - Film

Above all, in Baghdad there was a pervasive air of deskbound caution, buck-passing, and ass-covering, in contrast with the Wild West atmosphere that broke out, for better and for worse, in Saigon in April of 1975.

The Economist

Yet even when the security forces did actually recruit or send agents of the state into real terrorist organisations in the north of Ireland they too all too often crossed the line and broke the law.

The Guardian

"I was 19 when the war broke out," Piechowski says.

The Guardian

There was a certain randomness to the goal that broke the deadlock early on.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "broke", consider the context. In formal settings, "insolvent" or "bankrupt" may be more appropriate. In informal settings, "broke" is perfectly acceptable and commonly understood.

Common error

A common mistake is using "broke" when you mean "broken". "Broke" typically refers to financial status, while "broken" refers to something physically damaged or not functioning. Always ensure the correct term is used to avoid miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "broke" is as an adjective describing a state of being without money. Ludwig AI validates this usage, highlighting real-world examples where "broke" signifies a lack of funds or financial hardship.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "broke" is typically used as an adjective to describe a state of lacking money. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English, noting its prevalence in informal contexts and some news media. While grammatically sound, more formal terms such as "insolvent" or "bankrupt" may be preferable in professional settings. Remember to differentiate "broke" from "broken", which refers to physical damage rather than financial status.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flat broke

Intensifies the original phrase, emphasizing the complete lack of funds.

completely broke

Adds emphasis to the state of being broke, highlighting the totality of the situation.

penniless

Uses a single word to convey the state of having no money, emphasizing the lack of funds.

insolvent

Emphasizes the inability to pay debts, often used in a more formal or financial context.

bankrupt

Describes the formal legal status of being unable to pay debts.

out of money

Uses a common and easily understandable way to describe the lack of funds.

without funds

States the lack of money in a straightforward, neutral way.

in debt

Focuses on owing money rather than lacking it entirely.

financially ruined

Highlights the devastating consequences of being broke, emphasizing the long-term impact.

unable to pay

Highlights the inability to meet financial obligations.

FAQs

How can I use "broke" in a sentence?

You can use "broke" to describe a state of lacking money, as in "I am "broke" after that shopping spree". It can also describe something that doesn't function correctly, like saying "The machine is "broke"".

What's the difference between "broke" and "bankrupt"?

"Broke" is an informal term for having little or no money. "Bankrupt" is a formal legal term indicating an inability to pay debts. Bankrupt often involves a legal process, while being "broke" does not necessarily.

What can I say instead of "I'm broke"?

You can use alternatives like "I'm penniless", "I'm insolvent", or "I'm out of money" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I'm broke" in a formal setting?

While understandable, "I'm broke" is generally considered informal. In formal settings, it's better to use terms like "I'm experiencing financial difficulties" or "I'm insolvent" to maintain a professional tone.