it got broken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it got broken" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was broken, often implying that it happened unintentionally or without specifying who or what caused the breakage. Example: "I left the vase on the edge of the table, and unfortunately, it got broken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I held that record for 33 years, so it was about time it got broken really, isn't it?

Independent

I put out an olive branch and it got broken, but whatever, I'm ready to move on".

The Guardian - Sport

"I figured if it got broken, I'd want to get it fixed back to the way it was," she said.

The New York Times - Style

"They didn't tell me how it got broken, but I was told that if I won I had to hold it close to my body so it didn't fall over on the camera," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"1990 is a long time ago, it's about time it got broken.

BBC

And if I lost it or it got broken, our IT guys could port the whole thing over to a new device and I would be up and running with no input from me in an hour.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

When it gets broken, Microsoft releases a new version [of DRM] and the application gets updated.

The Guardian

Memory doesn't get encoded as a whole thing — it gets broken down in these little bits and pieces".

The New Yorker

Most of it gets broken down and altered into substances that are uneventfully excreted in the urine.

Harvard University

Mildred being given a tabby who hates flying on the broomstick even before it gets broken and simply clings on for dear life underneath the twiggy end.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Faxon: There's a scene at the end of the movie where they're spreading the mother's ashes in the ocean, and it gets broken up by a cruise and a bunch of drunk guys.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it got broken" when you want to emphasize the action of breaking without necessarily specifying the cause or agent. It's useful when the focus is on the resulting state of the object.

Common error

Avoid using "it got broken" excessively, as it can make your writing sound passive and indirect. Consider using active voice constructions where appropriate to improve clarity and impact. For example, instead of "it got broken", you could say "someone broke it" or "the storm broke it".

Linguistic Context

It got broken functions as a passive construction, emphasizing the state of the object after the action of breaking has occurred. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase is used to describe something that has been damaged, without specifying the agent causing the damage. This focus on the result rather than the cause is a key function of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

23%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it got broken" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that functions as a passive construction. It is used to describe the state of an object after it has been damaged, often without specifying the cause. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this phrase, and examples show its presence in news articles, wikis, and general conversation. When writing, be mindful of overusing the passive voice and consider active alternatives for clarity. While the phrase is versatile, options like "it was damaged" or "it broke" may be more suitable depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was damaged

Replaces the passive construction with a more direct statement of damage.

it broke

Simplifies the phrase by removing 'got', resulting in a more concise active form.

it was shattered

Specifies the type of breaking, implying it broke into many pieces.

it was wrecked

Suggests severe damage or destruction.

it was ruined

Indicates that something is damaged to the point of being unusable or worthless.

it was smashed

Emphasizes the forcefulness of the breakage.

it was destroyed

Indicates complete ruin or devastation.

it fell apart

Suggests that the item broke due to wear and tear, or inherent weakness.

it ceased to function

Focuses on the loss of functionality rather than the physical breakage.

it became non-operational

A more formal way of saying it stopped working.

FAQs

How can I use "it got broken" in a sentence?

You can use "it got broken" when referring to an object that has been damaged, such as "The window was left open, and unfortunately, "it got broken"."

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

You can use alternatives like "it was damaged", "it broke", or "it was shattered" depending on the context.

Is "it got broken" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it got broken" is grammatically correct. It's a passive construction indicating that something was broken, without specifying who or what caused the breakage. Ludwig AI confirms this as well.

What's the difference between "it got broken" and "it was broken"?

While both phrases are similar, "it got broken" often implies an action or event that resulted in the breakage, while "it was broken" simply describes the state of being broken.