the broken one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the broken one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an object or person that is damaged or not functioning properly. Example: "Out of all the toys, the broken one was the only one left in the box."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

I arranged for an exchange on-line, and was able to drop off the broken one with a minimum of difficulty.

Forbes

In the end, Gerstl was the broken one.

The New Yorker

With her other hand, the one that wasn't broken, she held the broken one.

The Guardian

Under conditions like this, customers are likely to buy a replacement unit similar to the broken one.

Yale University

But then he said something else: If the Haggler calls customer support, Cisco's policy in these circumstances is to overnight a new camera even before receiving the broken one.

The New York Times

When I clumsily drop one of the strings, it shatters on the floor, but we quickly use the neighbouring strands as templates for reassembling the broken one.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"We were getting the broken ones that had a movie star attached".

The New York Times - Magazine

Our results showed that the complete Blain points possessed on average significantly lower length-to-width ratios and significantly higher thickness-to-length ratios relative to the broken ones.

Journal of Anthropological Archaeology

The weirdos, the freaks, the goths, the misunderstood, gather ye round, for it's time to indulge in some holiday films made for us, the broken ones.

Huffington Post

It's a love that has forced me to look at my life in its current state and reexamine my relationships; repair the broken ones.

Huffington Post

The relationship between children and nature in the UK is particularly broken (one of the worst in Europe).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the antecedent—the noun being replaced by "one"—is singular. If you are referring to multiple items, use the plural form "the broken ones".

Common error

Writers often use "the broken one" in sentences where multiple different nouns have been mentioned, leading to confusion about which object is actually damaged. Always ensure it is clear which specific item you are referring back to.

Linguistic Context

In this phrase, "the broken one" functions as a noun phrase where "one" serves as a prop-word or anaphoric pronoun. It substitutes for a singular countable noun previously mentioned in the discourse to avoid unnecessary repetition. As noted by Ludwig, this structure allows for efficient communication by focusing the reader's attention on the attribute (broken) rather than the object name itself.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

According to Ludwig, "the broken one" is a highly efficient and grammatically correct noun phrase used to identify damaged entities without repetitive naming. It is extensively validated by top-tier sources including The New York Times and Harvard University. The phrase successfully bridges the gap between casual conversation and technical scientific reporting, proving its utility across all levels of formality. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a standard choice for writers aiming for clarity and cohesion in English prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the damaged one

Implies physical harm that may not result in a total loss of function.

the faulty one

Suggests an internal defect or mechanical failure rather than visible breakage.

the defective one

Often used in legal or manufacturing contexts to denote a product failure.

the shattered one

Emphasizes that the object has broken into many small pieces.

the fractured piece

Uses more technical language to describe a break or crack.

the malfunctioning unit

Refers specifically to technical or electronic equipment failing to work.

the busted one

A more informal or colloquial way to describe something broken.

the non-functional item

A formal way to state that something is no longer working.

the cracked one

Refers to partial damage where the object remains mostly intact.

the out-of-order one

Typically refers to machines or public facilities that are not currently usable.

FAQs

How to use "the broken one" in a sentence?

You use it to refer to a previously mentioned item that is damaged. For example: "I had two watches, but I decided to throw away "the broken one"."

What can I say instead of "the broken one"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "the damaged one", "the faulty one", or "the defective one".

Is it "the broken one" or "the broken ones"?

Both are correct. Use "the broken one" for a single object and "the broken ones" when referring to a group of damaged items.

What's the difference between "the broken one" and "the damaged one"?

While often interchangeable, "the broken one" usually implies a loss of structural integrity (it is in pieces), whereas "the damaged one" might just have surface-level harm or scratches.