go broke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go broke" is commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to mean becoming insolvent, i.e. having no money. For example, "Terry invested too much into the business, and eventually went broke."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I will go broke".

The New York Times

I'd go broke.

The New York Times

"I will go broke," one caller groused.

The New York Times

It was either diet, or go broke.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The projection was that they'd go broke.

The New York Times - Arts

Another trial in a country that could go broke?

The New York Times - Sports

"That's why some of them go broke," Diggins added.

The New Yorker

I have seen many once-successful companies go broke.

The New York Times

I predicted it would go broke by 2007.

The Guardian - Business

We've got to sell now or go broke later".

The New York Times

"I'm going to go broke cooking on it," she added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go broke" to describe a situation where a person, company, or entity becomes financially ruined. For example, "If the company doesn't innovate, it will go broke."

Common error

Avoid using "go broke" lightly for minor financial setbacks. It signifies a complete or near-complete depletion of financial resources, not just a temporary shortage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go broke" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes a state of financial failure or ruin, indicating the process of becoming insolvent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a commonly used expression to denote losing all one's money.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go broke" is a commonly used phrase that signifies becoming financially ruined or insolvent. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage. It functions as a verb phrase, communicating a state of financial failure across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use it accurately, signifying significant financial loss rather than minor setbacks. Alternatives include "become insolvent" or "go bankrupt", depending on the formality and specific context. The most authoritative sources consistently use this phrase to describe real-world financial consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Go bankrupt

Legal declaration of inability to pay debts.

Become insolvent

Formal term indicating inability to pay debts.

Be ruined financially

Highlights the state of being devastated in economic terms.

Suffer financial collapse

Emphasizes a sudden and severe loss of financial stability.

Lose all one's money

Directly indicates the loss of financial resources.

Be left penniless

Highlights the condition of having no money.

Fall into destitution

Emphasizes a state of extreme poverty.

Be cleaned out

Informal expression suggesting a complete loss of money.

Reach rock bottom financially

Indicates the lowest possible point in financial terms.

End up in the red

Refers to negative account balances or debt.

FAQs

What does it mean to "go broke"?

To "go broke" means to become completely financially ruined, losing all or nearly all of your money and assets. It implies a state of insolvency where you are unable to pay your debts.

What are some other ways to say "go broke"?

Alternatives to "go broke" include "become insolvent", "go bankrupt", or "be ruined financially". The best choice depends on the context.

Is it correct to say "went broke" instead of "go broke"?

Yes, "went broke" is the past tense of "go broke" and is grammatically correct when referring to a past event. For example, "The company went broke after the economic downturn".

Can a country "go broke"?

While a country can face severe financial difficulties and default on its debt, it's more accurate to say a country faces a "financial crisis" or "economic collapse" rather than "go broke" in the same way an individual or company would.