was broken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was broken" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used in passive voice sentences to describe something that has been damaged or rendered inoperative. Example: The vase was broken when I accidentally knocked it off the shelf.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Nothing was broken".

The New York Times

Harilal was broken, devastated.

The New York Times

His arm was broken.

The New York Times

Something larger was broken.

The New Yorker

The Army was broken".

The New York Times

I was broken.

Independent

A window was broken.

The New York Times

That promise was broken.

Independent

Isner was broken early.

The New Yorker

The ice was broken.

The New York Times - Sports

Furniture was broken.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was broken", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is being described as damaged or non-functional. For example, specify "the window was broken" rather than just "it was broken" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "was broken" loosely in contexts where the meaning isn't clear. Overusing it metaphorically can weaken your writing. Instead, choose more precise language to convey the intended meaning, such as "was strained" or "was damaged" to describe relationships or agreements, depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was broken" functions as the passive voice of the verb "break". It indicates that the subject of the sentence has undergone the action of being broken, damaged, or made non-functional. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was broken" is a versatile and frequently used construction in English, serving to describe something that has been damaged, violated, or rendered non-functional. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. With a high frequency of occurrence across various sources, it is particularly prevalent in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Academia. While the phrase is suitable for neutral contexts, it can also be used metaphorically. For clarity, it is advisable to specify the subject and avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts, as mentioned in the Writing Guidance section. Several alternatives exist, such as "was damaged" or "was out of order", providing options for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was damaged

Replaces "broken" with a more general term for harm or impairment.

was fractured

Specifically refers to something that has cracked or split, especially a bone.

was out of order

Indicates that something is not functioning correctly or is temporarily unusable.

was inoperative

A more formal way of saying something is not working or functioning.

was violated

Suggests a breach of a rule, agreement, or promise.

was breached

Similar to violated, often used in the context of security or agreements.

was shattered

Implies a complete and often irreparable breaking or destruction.

was ruined

Indicates that something has been spoiled or damaged to the point of being unusable.

was impaired

Suggests a reduced functionality or effectiveness.

was defunct

Indicates that something is no longer in use or operation.

FAQs

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

You can use "was broken" to describe something that is damaged or non-functional. For example, "The toy "was broken" by the child", or "The promise "was broken" by the politician".

What are some alternatives to saying "was broken"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "was damaged", "was fractured", or "was out of order".

Is it better to say "was broken" or "broke"?

The choice depends on whether you want to use the active or passive voice. "Broke" is active (e.g., "He broke the vase"), while "was broken" is passive (e.g., "The vase "was broken" by him").

Can "was broken" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "was broken" can be used metaphorically to describe something that is not functioning as it should, such as a promise or a spirit. For example, "Her spirit "was broken" by the constant criticism".