broken

USAGE SUMMARY

'broken' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use 'broken' to describe a physical object, an emotional state, or a metaphorical concept that has been damaged, destroyed, or rendered inoperable. Here is an example sentence: The broken vase lay in pieces on the floor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Weighing almost six tonnes and measuring 4 metres (13ft) square, the giant slab of milk chocolate has broken the record for the world's largest chocolate bar.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Police believe the man - a gerontophile with a predilection for elderly women - has broken into the homes of 98 pensioners in south-east London over the past 16 years, raping four of them and indecently assaulting 24.

The Guardian

The question about 2013 is whether that stalemate can be broken and to whose advantage.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Labor member for Canberra, Gai Brodtmann, said Monday's announcement amounted to a broken promise.

The Guardian

US-style culture wars have broken out – but only within the ranks of the Tory party.

The Guardian - Opinion

"As first-time renters, students are especially vulnerable to rogue landlords and the other pitfalls of our broken rental market, simply because they have less experience of it," says Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter.

The Guardian

There is a pattern emerging here: Carlyle, a lapsed socialist (his spirit, he has said, all but broken by the 1992 Tory victory), evidently likes his geniuses to come in different shades of troublemaker.

The Guardian - Film

The toilets are routinely broken or lacking in number, and the conditions in one dormitory were so bad that Amnesty International "considers the accommodation of asylum seekers there a violation of the prohibition on torture and other ill-treatment".

The Guardian - Opinion

Rush-hour passengers on a trouble-hit commuter route in the south of England have faced more disruption, with delays and cancellations because of a broken rail.

The Guardian

And, yes, my heart was broken a little by the way Denton tried to pretend to Arnott that it was "just a cat".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So in schools, the chain isn't broken between poetry and its audience.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific type of damage or malfunction you want to convey. If the damage is irreparable, "broken beyond repair" might be suitable. If it's temporary, "out of order" could be better.

Common error

Avoid using "broken" as a catch-all term for any problem. Be specific about the nature of the issue. For example, instead of saying a relationship is "broken", describe the specific issues contributing to its failure, such as "a lack of trust" or "communication problems".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "broken" primarily functions to describe a state of being damaged, non-functional, or disrupted. As evidenced by Ludwig, its application spans physical objects, systems, and emotional states. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Lifestyle

25%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Opinion

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "broken" is a versatile term used to describe a state of damage or non-functionality, applicable to physical objects, abstract systems, and emotional states. Analysis of numerous examples shows that while "broken" is grammatically correct and widely used, specific alternatives can offer greater precision depending on the context. Ludwig AI confirms that “broken” is a correct and usable word in written English. In writing, it's important to avoid overuse in abstract contexts and consider alternatives like "damaged" or "out of order" to enhance clarity. Ludwig's data shows that "broken" appears frequently in News & Media, Lifestyle, and Sport, maintaining a neutral formality suitable for various communication purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

damaged

Focuses on physical harm or impairment, applicable to objects or structures.

out of order

Emphasizes a temporary state of non-functionality, often used for machines or systems.

in pieces

Describes a state where something is separated into multiple fragments.

non-functional

Highlights the lack of proper functioning, suitable for technical contexts.

inoperative

Stresses the inability to operate or function, typically used for machinery or systems.

defective

Highlights a flaw or imperfection causing malfunction.

fractured

Specifically indicates a crack or split, often used in medical or geological contexts.

shattered

Conveys a sense of complete destruction or emotional distress.

ruptured

Indicates a forceful break or tear, often used in medical or technical contexts.

kaput

An informal term implying complete failure or destruction.

FAQs

How can I use "broken" in a sentence?

You can use "broken" to describe something physically damaged (e.g., "a broken window"), a system that isn't working properly (e.g., "a broken system"), or an emotional state (e.g., "a broken heart").

What can I say instead of "broken"?

Alternatives include "damaged", "out of order", "non-functional", or "defective", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "broken" or "broke"?

"Broken" is the past participle of the verb "break" and is used as an adjective. "Broke" is the simple past tense of "break". For example, "The window is broken" (adjective) versus "I broke the window" (verb, past tense).

What's the difference between "broken" and "shattered"?

"Broken" implies a general state of damage or non-functionality. "Shattered" suggests a more violent and complete destruction, often resulting in many small pieces. Therefore, "shattered" carries a stronger emotional connotation than "broken".