had broken

USAGE SUMMARY

"had broken" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to refer to actions that happened in the past prior to a point of reference, such as the present or another past event. For example: "I saw that the window had been broken, so I called the landlord."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Water mains had broken.

The New York Times

I had broken them.

The New York Times

Someone had broken in.

The New Yorker

She had broken him.

The New Yorker

Pacino had broken through.

The New Yorker

She had broken every appointment.

The New York Times

(He had broken it skiing).

The New Yorker

It had broken the skin.

The New Yorker

The spread had broken down.

The New Yorker

She had broken her toe.

The New Yorker

The meeting had broken down.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had broken" to clearly establish the sequence of past events, ensuring the action occurred before another specific point in time. For example, "By the time the paramedics arrived, the window "had broken"."

Common error

Avoid using "had broken" when a simple past tense ("broke") is sufficient. "Had broken" is specifically for indicating an action completed before another point in the past. If there's no prior point of reference, "broke" is usually more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had broken" functions as a verb phrase in the past perfect tense. It indicates an action that was completed before another action in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had broken" is a past perfect verb phrase used to indicate an action completed before another action in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Remember to use it when establishing a clear temporal sequence in past events and avoid it when a simple past tense would suffice. Common alternatives include "was fractured" or "was shattered", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Understanding these nuances will enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had fractured

Similar to 'was fractured' but maintains the past perfect tense, suitable for contexts requiring a focus on a past action completed before another past event.

was fractured

Focuses specifically on the physical act of breaking something, often a bone or a material.

was shattered

Emphasizes a more forceful and complete breaking, often implying emotional or metaphorical damage.

had snapped

Indicates a sudden, sharp break, often with an audible sound.

was ruptured

Suggests a forceful bursting or tearing open, often used for internal organs or containers.

had split

Implies a division into two or more parts, often along a grain or seam.

had disintegrated

Suggests a complete breakdown or decay into smaller parts.

had collapsed

Focuses on the failure of a structure or system, resulting in a breakdown.

had failed

Indicates a lack of success or the inability to function as intended.

was breached

Highlights a violation of a boundary or agreement.

FAQs

How is "had broken" used in a sentence?

"Had broken" is used to describe an action that was completed before another action in the past. For example, "She realized she "had broken" her glasses after she sat down."

What are some alternatives to "had broken"?

Depending on the context, you could use "was fractured", "was shattered", or "had ruptured". The best alternative depends on what exactly you want to express.

When should I use "had broken" instead of "broke"?

Use "had broken" when you are talking about something that happened before another event in the past. For example, "I fixed the window that "had broken" during the storm." If you're just stating a past action without reference to another past event, use "broke."

Is there a difference between "had broken" and "was broken"?

Yes, "had broken" is past perfect, indicating an action completed before another past action. "Was broken" is past passive, describing the state of something at a point in the past (e.g., "The vase was broken").