easily broken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "easily broken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object or material that can be damaged or shattered with little effort. Example: "The glass vase is beautiful, but it is easily broken if not handled with care."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The cycle is not easily broken".

The Guardian

Nicklaus's record will not be easily broken, writer says.

The New Yorker

These hydrogen bonds are weak and easily broken.

The New York Times

He could have easily broken his arm right there".

The New York Times - Sports

It says in scripture that a cord of three strands is not easily broken.

The New Yorker

Eventually, memories accumulate like old, familiar Christmas ornaments, only memories are not so easily broken.

The New York Times

Instead, she emerged with a piecrust principle, easily made, easily broken.

Independent

"These codes are not designed to be casually or easily broken".

The New York Times

This wasn't even what Mary Poppins called "a pie-crust promise" (easily broken).

The Guardian - Opinion

"There is old Dutch saying, 'Friendship like pie crusts, are easily broken".

The New Yorker

An attempted general strike in May 1920 was easily broken, and thousands of discouraged and embittered workers abandoned the CGT.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts such as trust or promises, using "easily broken" can effectively convey their fragility and the potential for disappointment. For example: "Trust, once lost, is like glass; easily broken and difficult to repair."

Common error

While "easily broken" is acceptable, using more formal synonyms like "fragile" or "susceptible to damage" can elevate the tone of academic or professional documents. Consider the audience and purpose of your writing to choose the most appropriate language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "easily broken" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a quality of being fragile or susceptible to damage. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, demonstrating its integration in everyday language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "easily broken" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something's susceptibility to damage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, from science and news to general web content. While its neutral register makes it versatile, remember that more formal synonyms like "fragile" might be preferable in academic or professional settings. Be mindful of its implications, as it can effectively convey fragility and potential disappointment, especially in abstract concepts like trust. Consider using alternative phrases such as "readily damaged", "highly fragile", or "susceptible to breakage" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

readily damaged

Focuses on the susceptibility to damage, emphasizing the lack of resistance.

highly fragile

Highlights the delicate nature of the object, implying a high chance of breakage.

susceptible to breakage

Emphasizes the vulnerability and proneness to being broken.

delicate and breakable

Combines the notions of fragility and the ability to be broken.

lacks durability

Shifts the focus to the absence of resistance and long-lasting quality.

not resistant to damage

Directly states the absence of protection against damage.

vulnerable to fracture

Specifically points out the susceptibility to cracking or fracturing.

frail and brittle

Highlights the weakness and tendency to shatter or crumble.

easily shattered

Focuses on the action of breaking into pieces easily.

not robust

Indicates a lack of strength and resilience.

FAQs

How can I use "easily broken" in a sentence?

You can use "easily broken" to describe something that is fragile or not durable. For instance, "The antique vase is beautiful but "easily broken" if not handled with care" or "Their agreement was "easily broken" due to conflicting interests".

What are some alternatives to "easily broken"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "fragile", "delicate", "vulnerable", or "susceptible to damage".

Is it correct to say "easily breakable" instead of "easily broken"?

While "breakable" and "broken" share a similar meaning related to the potential for or state of being broken, "easily breakable" is less common and may sound less natural than ""easily broken"". "Easily breakable" is more acceptable although it has a slightly different meaning. "Easily broken" refers to something that is in broken state while "Easily breakable" refers to something that has the potential to be broken.

In what contexts is "easily broken" most appropriate?

"Easily broken" is suitable in a wide range of contexts, from describing physical objects to abstract concepts like promises or agreements. Its appropriateness often depends on the desired level of formality. In more formal settings, consider synonyms such as "fragile" or "susceptible to damage".