is broken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is broken' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "The dish washer is broken and we can't do the dishes until it's fixed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"My body is broken.

The New York Times

The system is broken.

The New York Times

My heart is broken".

The New York Times

No rule is broken.

The New York Times - Sports

Biff! Society is broken!

The Economist

"The tap is broken".

The New York Times

It is broken.

Independent

Everything is broken.

The New York Times

The spell is broken.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Education is broken.

TechCrunch

One suggestion is Broken Steel.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like systems or relationships, "is broken" can effectively convey dysfunction or failure. For instance, "The communication is broken" suggests a breakdown in dialogue.

Common error

While "is broken" is widely understood, in highly formal or professional writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "is malfunctioning", "is defective", or "is inoperative" for increased clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is broken" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show its versatility, ranging from describing physical objects to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

15%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is broken" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating a state of disrepair or dysfunction. Grammatically sound and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves as a predicate adjective across diverse contexts. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may suit specific writing scenarios. As seen in Ludwig's examples, its application spans from tangible items to abstract concepts, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit. Keep in mind to consider the context and audience to determine the best wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not working

A simple and direct way to state that something is not functioning as intended.

is damaged

Replaces "broken" with a more general term for physical harm or impairment.

is out of order

Indicates a temporary state of non-functionality, often for machines or systems.

is faulty

Suggests an inherent defect or flaw causing the malfunction.

is non-functional

Emphasizes the lack of ability to perform its intended function.

is malfunctioning

Implies an irregular or improper function, often temporary.

is defective

Similar to "faulty" but can also imply a manufacturing error.

is inoperative

A more formal way of saying something is not working or capable of being used.

is fractured

Specifically indicates a crack or break, often in a physical object.

is shattered

Suggests a more violent or complete breaking apart.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is broken"?

When something "is broken", it means it's not functioning correctly or is damaged to the point of being unusable. This can apply to physical objects, systems, relationships, or even abstract concepts.

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

You can use "is broken" to describe anything that's not working as intended. For example, "The system "is not working"", "Our agreement "is violated"", or "My heart "is shattered"".

What are some alternatives to "is broken"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "is damaged", "is faulty", "is not functioning", or "is out of order".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "is broken"?

While widely understood, "is broken" may be too informal for certain formal writing contexts. In those cases, opt for more precise or technical language like "is malfunctioning" or "is inoperative".