i was broken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was broken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a state of emotional or psychological distress or trauma in the past. Example: "After the loss of my loved one, I felt like I was broken and struggled to find joy in anything."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was broken.

Independent

"I was broken," he said.

The New York Times - Health

"I was broken, angry," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But when I got out," he continued, "I was broken".

The New York Times

I was broken for a couple of years after that.

The Guardian - Film

I was broken with about eight miles to go.

The New York Times - Sports

This whole time you had me think I was broken.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I was broken into a million pieces," she said.

The New York Times

I was broken for weeks after watching that.

The Guardian - Film

I was broken, and I'd spend the day caught up in solving other people's problems.

The Washington Post

There's a recollection from his pre-fame days: "I was broken, I was broken, I was broke/I used to roam around the town when I was homeless".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "i was broken" to convey a deep sense of emotional or psychological distress resulting from a specific event or period in your life. Ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of this brokenness.

Common error

Avoid using "i was broken" too frequently in your writing, as it can lose its impact and sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "shattered", "devastated", or describing the specific emotional state you experienced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i was broken" functions as a statement describing a past state of emotional or psychological distress. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English to express a state of emotional or psychological distress or trauma in the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "i was broken" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a past state of emotional or psychological distress. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, primarily from news and media sources, this phrase effectively conveys a deep sense of vulnerability and the impact of negative experiences. While synonyms like "shattered" or "devastated" can offer nuanced alternatives, "i was broken" remains a direct and impactful way to express personal suffering.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i was shattered

Emphasizes a more intense and complete sense of being broken, implying fragmentation and a loss of wholeness.

i was devastated

Focuses on the emotional impact of a loss or disappointment, highlighting the feeling of being overwhelmed with grief.

i was crushed

Highlights the feeling of being completely defeated or overwhelmed by something.

i was demoralized

Indicates a loss of confidence or hope, often due to a setback or failure.

i was defeated

Focuses on the sense of having lost a battle or struggle, highlighting the feeling of being overcome.

i was undone

Suggests a complete collapse or ruin, implying a loss of control or stability.

i was in despair

Focuses on a state of hopelessness and deep sadness, often associated with a sense of being lost or trapped.

i was traumatized

Highlights the lasting psychological impact of a disturbing experience, suggesting a deep emotional wound.

i was wounded

Emphasizes the emotional pain and vulnerability resulting from a hurtful event or situation.

i was crippled

Highlights a significant impairment, either physical or emotional, that hinders one's ability to function effectively.

FAQs

What does "i was broken" mean?

The phrase "i was broken" typically means that someone experienced a significant emotional or psychological distress, often resulting from a traumatic event or difficult period in their life. It suggests a feeling of being damaged or incomplete.

What can I say instead of "i was broken"?

You can use alternatives like "i was shattered", "i was devastated", or "i was crushed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "i was broken" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "i was broken" might be considered too informal or emotionally charged for some formal writing contexts. Consider using more neutral or descriptive language depending on your audience and purpose.

How can I use "i was broken" in a sentence?

You can use "i was broken" in a sentence to describe a past state of emotional distress. For example, "After the accident, I was broken and didn't know how to move forward." The context should make clear what caused this feeling.