he broke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he broke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a male subject has caused something to break or has experienced a break in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "He broke the vase while trying to clean the shelf."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Unfortunately, he broke something".

The New York Times - Sports

He broke it.

The New Yorker

"He broke my heart.

The New York Times - Sports

He broke his neck".

The New Yorker

He broke rules.

Independent

He broke with Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He broke down.

The New York Times - Sports

He broke his arm.

The New York Times - Sports

He broke through.

The New York Times - Sports

He broke his ankle.

The Washington Post

But he broke me again.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation when using "he broke" metaphorically; it often implies a negative outcome or violation.

Common error

Avoid using "he broke" when a passive construction is more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "he broke, emotionally", consider "he was broken emotionally" or "he experienced an emotional breakdown."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he broke" functions primarily as a declarative statement indicating that a male subject performed an action of breaking something, whether physically or metaphorically. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI, confirming its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he broke" is a versatile expression used to describe a variety of scenarios where a male subject is involved in an act of breaking, be it physical, emotional, or rule-based. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. The examples provided showcase its application across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media, where it serves to report events concisely. While primarily neutral in register, the specific connotation can vary depending on the context, ranging from simple factual reporting to conveying emotional impact. Related phrases like "he violated" or "he shattered" offer nuanced alternatives for writers seeking to refine their expression. Overall, understanding the context is key to effectively employing "he broke" in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he violated

This alternative focuses on breaking rules or agreements, rather than physical objects.

he breached

Similar to "he violated", this suggests a breaking of trust or a formal agreement.

he shattered

Implies a more forceful and complete breaking, often used metaphorically.

he fractured

Suggests a partial or incomplete break, often used in medical contexts.

he destroyed

This alternative suggests a more significant and irreparable breaking.

he snapped

Implies a sudden and often emotional breaking point.

he split

Indicates a separation or division, rather than a complete break.

he severed

Suggests a clean and decisive break, often used for relationships or connections.

he ruptured

Implies a sudden and forceful break, often used in medical or mechanical contexts.

he disrupted

Focuses on the interruption or disturbance caused by a breaking action.

FAQs

How can I use "he broke" in a sentence?

The phrase "he broke" can be used to describe a physical break (e.g., "He broke his leg"), a broken agreement (e.g., "He broke his promise"), or an emotional state (e.g., "He broke down crying").

What can I say instead of "he broke" when talking about a rule?

When referring to rules or laws, you can use alternatives such as "he violated", "he breached", or "he disobeyed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "he broke the law" or "he breaked the law"?

"He broke the law" is correct. "Broke" is the past tense of "break". "Breaked" is not a standard English verb form.

What's the difference between "he broke" and "he shattered"?

"He broke" generally implies a separation or violation, while "he shattered" suggests a more violent and complete destruction. For instance, "He broke the vase" versus "He shattered the vase."