broke like a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broke like a" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used in comparisons or similes to describe something that is broken or damaged. Example: The old vase broke like a fragile piece of glass when it fell off the shelf.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

He broke like a rocket.

The New York Times - Sports

News of the takeover broke like a thunderclap over Washington.

The Guardian

Every schoolboy knows (or should know) that government cannot "go broke" like a private business.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Risorgimento broke like a wave over Sicily in the middle of the 19th century.

The Guardian

The recession broke like a thunder cloud, and she took a job nearly two years ago in community affairs for the census.

The New York Times

We'd never seen him before: into the suburban torpor his footsteps broke like a signal for adventure on a jaunty trumpet.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

(In fact, I think my DS Lite broke like a year ago).

TechCrunch

Pull apart a cooked patty, and it flakes and breaks like a burger.

The Guardian - Tech

But when it dies, the stem breaks like a branch and the line becomes calligraphic".

The New York Times - Arts

He speaks to me with such urgent penitence that his voice keeps breaking, like a boy's.

The New Yorker

When this mannered speech breaks — like a fever — what fills its place is sometimes no less comical.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broke like a" to create vivid comparisons that highlight the manner or extent of something breaking. Ensure the object of comparison clearly conveys the intended meaning for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid using "broke like a" in contexts where a different type of breaking or damage is more appropriate. For example, don't use it to describe something that slowly degrades over time, as it implies a sudden, forceful break.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broke like a" functions primarily as a simile, used to create a vivid comparison between the way something broke and another object or action. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Huffington Post

5%

Less common in

Forbes

2%

The New Yorker

6%

BBC

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "broke like a" is a versatile simile used to draw comparisons highlighting the manner in which something breaks. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in written English, especially in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the object of comparison is both vivid and relevant to achieve the desired impact. Be mindful of using related phrases that may better convey the type of breaking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shattered like glass

Emphasizes the fragility and completeness of the breakage.

collapsed like a house of cards

Indicates a sudden and complete failure or breakdown.

snapped like a twig

Highlights a quick and clean break, often under pressure.

crumbled like a cookie

Suggests a softer, less violent form of breaking, implying fragility.

disintegrated like dust

Conveys a sense of complete and utter destruction or falling apart.

burst like a bubble

Conveys a quick, almost effortless break, often resulting in disappearance.

fractured like ice

Implies a breaking into many pieces, often with sharp edges.

ruptured like a balloon

Suggests a forceful and sudden breaking, often with an explosive element.

split like wood

Suggests a break along a grain or line of weakness.

fell apart like wet paper

Illustrates a gradual and messy disintegration due to weakness.

FAQs

How can I use "broke like a" in a sentence?

You can use "broke like a" to compare the manner of something breaking to another object or event. For example, "The tension "broke like a shoelace"" or "The news "broke like a storm"".

What are some alternatives to "broke like a"?

Some alternatives include "shattered like glass", "crumbled like a cookie", or "disintegrated like dust", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use similes with "broke"?

While similes can add vividness, ensure the comparison is relevant and enhances the description rather than sounding cliché or confusing. Consider if a more direct description might be clearer.

What is the difference between "broken like a" and "broke like a"?

"Broken like a" implies a state of being broken, while "broke like a" describes the act of breaking. The choice depends on whether you're describing the result or the process.