get broken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get broken" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence such as: "The vase fell off the table and got broken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Replace a broken window before more windows get broken, followed by broken homes and broken dreams.

Los Angeles Times

And they get broken.

The New York Times

You get broken up with.

The Guardian - Music

"Presumably, ground is going to get broken.

The New York Times

Things get lost, bottles get broken.

Independent

I didn't get broken in five sets.

Independent

Eggs, of course, must not get broken.

The New York Times

"We expect it to get broken.

The Guardian

And promises sometimes get broken like eggs.

The New York Times

But deals, like hearts, get broken.

The New York Times

If they get broken, I don't mind.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get broken", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being broken and why. For example, "The window will get broken if you throw the ball inside."

Common error

Avoid mixing tenses when using "get broken". For example, instead of "The vase fell and will get broken", use "The vase fell and got broken" or "The vase will fall and get broken".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get broken" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something undergoes the action of being broken by an external force or event. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get broken" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, primarily functioning as a passive construction. As shown by Ludwig, it serves to describe the action of something being damaged or destroyed and has a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Its prevalence in News & Media and Wiki sources underscores its widespread use, with a high expert rating attesting to its correctness and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be shattered

Emphasizes the complete and irreparable nature of the breaking.

be smashed

Implies a forceful and violent breaking.

become damaged

Focuses on the resulting state of being harmed or impaired.

be ruined

Highlights the state of being spoiled or made useless.

be destroyed

Highlights the idea of being completely ruined or demolished.

be fractured

Suggests a break, especially in a bone or a relationship.

fall apart

Describes the process of disintegration or failure.

be disrupted

Focuses on the interruption or disturbance caused by the breaking.

be compromised

Indicates that something's integrity or functionality has been impaired.

be violated

Suggests that something has been breached or transgressed.

FAQs

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

You can use "get broken" to describe something that is damaged or destroyed. For example, "The toy might "get broken" if you play with it too roughly."

What are some alternatives to saying "get broken"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be shattered", "become damaged", or "be destroyed".

Is it correct to say "got broken" instead of "get broken"?

Yes, "got broken" is the past tense form of "get broken". Use "got broken" when referring to something that has already been broken, and "get broken" when referring to something that might be broken in the future.

What is the difference between "get broken" and "be broken"?

"Get broken" implies an action leading to the broken state, while "be broken" describes the state itself. For instance, "The glass will get broken" suggests an event causing breakage, whereas "The glass is broken" simply states its current condition.