might be broken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be broken" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the possibility that something is not functioning correctly or unable to be used. For example, "This computer won't turn on; it might be broken."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It might be 108, might be 208.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It might be 100.

The Guardian

He might be 35, maybe.

The New York Times - Magazine

So dollar yen might be 95.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Of course, the length of time might be 3 days or it might be 1 month.

Yale University

"It just might be 10 years late".

The New York Times - Tech

The baby might be 1-2 holds old.

The Guardian

They might be 17 minutes long though.

The Guardian - Music

So the first thing might be 1, 2, 3.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The outstanding trees might be 634 1082 years old.

Scientia Horticulturae

"It might be 98, or maybe it's 99".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "might be broken", ensure the context clearly indicates what you're referring to. For example, instead of just saying, "It might be broken", specify "The washing machine might be broken."

Common error

In formal contexts, avoid overuse. Alternatives like "potentially defective" or "possibly malfunctioning" often sound more professional and precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be broken" functions as an expression of possibility regarding the state of an object or system. It indicates a potential condition of being non-functional or damaged.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might be broken" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the possibility of something being non-functional. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage frequency is currently limited in the provided data. When using "might be broken", ensure clarity in context and consider the formality of your writing, opting for alternatives such as "could be faulty" in more professional settings. Despite the missing examples, the phrase remains a valid and understandable way to communicate a potential issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might not be working

A more direct way of saying it isn't functioning, without specifying the reason.

might be malfunctioning

Suggests an erratic or unpredictable functionality issue.

could be faulty

Replaces "broken" with "faulty", suggesting a defect rather than complete breakage.

might have stopped working

Emphasizes a cessation of function.

could be damaged

Highlights the potential for physical harm as the reason for it not working.

may be defective

Emphasizes a manufacturing flaw as the potential cause.

may have a defect

Similar to "may be defective" but phrased as a potential state.

may need fixing

A simpler, more casual way of indicating the need for repair.

could be out of order

Focuses on the temporary inability to function, rather than permanent damage.

could require repair

Focuses on the need for fixing the issue.

FAQs

How to use "might be broken" in a sentence?

Use "might be broken" to express a possibility of something being non-functional. Example: "The television "might be broken" after the power surge."

What can I say instead of "might be broken"?

You can use alternatives like "could be faulty", "may be defective", or "might not be working" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "might be broken" or "might be breaking"?

"Might be broken" suggests a completed state of being broken, while "might be breaking" suggests the process of becoming broken. The correct choice depends on what you want to convey.

What's the difference between "might be broken" and "is possibly broken"?

"Might be broken" is more concise and common. "Is possibly broken" is grammatically correct but less idiomatic. Both convey the same meaning, expressing a possibility.