Cool MateBroken vs Cracked
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Broken
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adjective
Cracked
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Broken
| Broken | Cracked | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈbrəʊkən/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈbrəʊkən/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //krækt//🇺🇸 //krækt// |
| Meaning | not working or damaged | Something that is broken or has a line in it. |
| Example | The window is broken and needs to be fixed. | The vase was cracked after the fall. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | be, get, badly | cracked screen, cracked vase, cracked code, cracked smile, cracked voice |
| Antonyms | whole, intact, fixed | whole, intact, complete |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'broken' with 'broke' (the past tense of 'break'), Using 'broken' in a context where 'damaged' is more appropriate, Forget to use 'broken' with a noun (e.g. 'broken car' not just 'broken') | Confused with 'crack' as a verb., Using 'cracked' in the positive when meaning 'damaged'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'broken' when describing items that are not functioning or are physically damaged. It is neutral and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. | Used to describe physical objects that are damaged, but can also describe emotions or situations informally. |
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Frequently asked questions: Broken vs Cracked
What's the difference between Broken and Cracked?
Broken: not working or damaged Cracked: Something that is broken or has a line in it.
Which is more common: Broken and Cracked?
Broken is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Broken: The window is broken and needs to be fixed. Cracked: The vase was cracked after the fall.
Can I use Broken and Cracked interchangeably?
Not always. Broken and Cracked are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.