Cool MateBroken vs Her jaw was shattered
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Broken
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adjective
Her jaw was shattered
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Broken
| Broken | Her jaw was shattered | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈbrəʊkən/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈbrəʊkən/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //hɜːr dʒɔː wəz ˈʃætəd//🇺🇸 //hɜr dʒɔ ː wəz ˈʃætərd// |
| Meaning | not working or damaged | Her mouth area was broken. |
| Example | The window is broken and needs to be fixed. | After the accident, her jaw was shattered. |
| 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 | broken jaw, fractured jaw, jaw injury |
| Antonyms | whole, intact, fixed | - |
| 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 'jaw' as in speaking or talking., Using 'shatter' incorrectly; it usually applies to hard materials. |
| 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 severe injury, often in accidents or fights. Not appropriate for light-hearted situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Broken vs Her jaw was shattered
What's the difference between Broken and Her jaw was shattered?
Broken: not working or damaged Her jaw was shattered: Her mouth area was broken.
Which is more common: Broken and Her jaw was shattered?
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. Her jaw was shattered: After the accident, her jaw was shattered.
Can I use Broken and Her jaw was shattered interchangeably?
Not always. Broken and Her jaw was shattered 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.