it got broke

USAGE SUMMARY

"it got broke" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the past tense of something becoming broken. For example: "My grandmother's vase was really old and precious, but unfortunately it got broke."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I just sort of used it until it got broke and then gave it back to him and said thanks a lot.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We started off well, it was just a shame that we got broke.

BBC

"How is it that the people at the top got wealthy and the people at the bottom got broke?" Mr. Skilling replied: "I think, if I thought that there was a concern, I would imagine any economic adviser would say, 'You probably should have sold more, diversified more.' And I think it's very tough.

The New York Times

I finally got broke from sucking eggs, as they say".

The Guardian - Music

My house got broke into, how did that happen to me? Oh my car got stolen, oh I woke up in hospital … it doesn't sound that out of the ordinary when everything is shitty.

The Guardian - Music

On Kimmel his phone got broked and it was all he could think about for two days.

Vice

If you want to take a picture it's going to cost something or the s*** could just get broke.

Independent

"Dry land farming -- it's a hard business to get rich on, easy to get broke on.

Huffington Post

Want to give it another shot today?" And he'd say, "Man, I'm not trying to get broke".

Vice

You got two good legs there, you wanna watch they don't get broke".

The Guardian - Film

All 21 agents and soldiers reportedly took hookers back to their rooms at the Hotel Caribe to get broke off a little some, some.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "it got broke" is understandable, consider using "it got broken" for clearer and more widely accepted grammatical correctness in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it got broke" in professional or academic writing. Opt for "it got broken" or "it was broken" for a more polished and grammatically standard expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it got broke" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something has transitioned to a broken state. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, its informality is noticeable compared to alternatives like "it got broken."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it got broke" is used to describe something that has become broken. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct, however, standard English prefers "it got broken" or "it was broken", especially in formal writing. While understandable in informal conversation, be mindful of your audience and context and choose a more standard alternative for professional or academic communications. The phrase is more frequently seen in news and media sources, suggesting an everyday usage, but is best avoided in more formal settings for clarity and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was broken

Simple past passive form emphasizing the resulting state of being broken.

it became broken

Uses "became" instead of "got" to express a change of state into being broken.

it was damaged

Focuses on the damage inflicted, rather than the process of breaking.

it stopped working

Shifts the focus to functionality rather than physical breakage.

it malfunctioned

Implies a problem with the intended function, often used for machines.

it failed

A more general term indicating a lack of success or proper operation.

it was out of order

Indicates a temporary or correctable state of non-functionality.

it was ruined

Suggests a more severe form of damage, possibly irreparable.

it shattered

Specifically refers to breaking into many pieces.

it crumbled

Implies breaking apart gradually, often used for materials like stone or earth.

FAQs

Is "it got broke" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "it got broke" is less common than "it got broken". Using the latter ensures clearer communication and aligns with standard grammar. Both effectively convey that something became non-functional or damaged.

What's a more formal alternative to "it got broke"?

For formal writing, replace "it got broke" with "it was broken" or "it became broken". These options provide greater clarity and precision, enhancing the overall quality of your writing.

When is it acceptable to use "it got broke"?

"It got broke" might be acceptable in informal conversation or in contexts where non-standard grammar is intentionally used to convey a specific tone or character voice. However, avoid it in formal or professional settings.

What can I say instead of "it got broke"?

You can use alternatives like "it was damaged", "it stopped working", or "it malfunctioned" depending on the specific context.