seems broken

USAGE SUMMARY

"seems broken" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical object that appears to be damaged, or to describe someone or something that appears to be emotionally or mentally distressed. For example: "After she heard the news, Sophia just sat there in silence, her expression blank and her eyes glazed over - it seems broken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"Everything seems broken".

The New York Times

His spirit seems broken.

The Guardian

But his spirit seems broken.

The New York Times

The international monetary system, hobbled by imbalances and deficits, seems broken.

The New York Times - Magazine

He is a man who seems broken and lost, unsure of how to get back.

The New York Times

That, in caricature, was how the oil industry once ran.That model now seems broken.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

For Chicago politicians, it seems, breaking the law can serve as prelude to a seat before the microphone.

The New York Times

Many, according to Rotaru and her colleagues, seem broken.

The New Yorker

But it has seemed broken before and somehow staggers on.

The Guardian

The winger finished through Courtois' legs and Chelsea seemed broken.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet although he seemed broken, Winston Churchill stayed on as party leader and served another term as prime minister.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seems broken" to describe a person's emotional state, ensure the context makes it clear that you are referring to their apparent demeanor or spirit, rather than implying literal physical harm.

Common error

Avoid using "seems broken" in contexts where it might be misinterpreted as a diagnosis or judgment of someone's capabilities. Instead, focus on describing the specific behaviors or appearances that lead you to that impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems broken" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject by describing its apparent state. Ludwig AI shows its role in expressing perceived malfunction or emotional distress, implying an assessment based on observation rather than definitive knowledge.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems broken" is a versatile phrase used to express an apparent state of disrepair or malfunction, applicable to both physical objects and abstract concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. When employing this phrase, consider the potential for misinterpretation and strive for clarity in conveying whether you are expressing a definitive judgment or a preliminary observation. Alternative phrases like "appears damaged" or "looks faulty" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears damaged

Focuses on the visible state of damage.

looks faulty

Highlights the visual indication of a malfunction or defect.

presents a defect

Emphasizes the presence of a specific flaw.

gives the impression of being damaged

More verbose; stresses the perceived state.

projects a broken image

Suggests a superficial but possibly misleading appearance.

is seemingly out of order

Emphasizes a temporary state of disrepair.

exhibits signs of disrepair

Formal; focuses on observable indications of wear.

is supposedly malfunctioning

Implication that damage is alleged but possibly not confirmed.

conveys a sense of something wrong

Broader; implies a less specific kind of problem.

registers as defective

Technical; suggests an assessment or test result.

FAQs

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

You can use "seems broken" to describe an object that appears damaged (e.g., "The toy car seems broken") or a system that isn't working correctly (e.g., "The voting system seems broken"). It can also refer to someone's emotional state.

What's a less direct way to say "seems broken"?

Alternatives include phrases like "appears damaged", "looks faulty", or "is seemingly out of order". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "seemed broken" instead of "seems broken"?

Yes, "seemed broken" is the past tense form of the phrase. Use "seemed" when referring to something that appeared broken in the past, as opposed to currently.

How does the phrase "seems broken" differ from "is broken"?

"Seems broken" indicates an appearance or impression of being broken, without necessarily confirming it's the case. "Is broken" is a statement of fact, indicating that something is definitively not functioning correctly.