Cool MateBroken vs Its power source was shot
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Broken
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adjective
Its power source was shot
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Broken
| Broken | Its power source was shot | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈbrəʊkən/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈbrəʊkən/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ɪts ˈpaʊər sɔːs wəz ʃɒt//🇺🇸 //ɪts ˈpaʊər sɔrs wəz ʃɑt// |
| Meaning | not working or damaged | The power supply was damaged. |
| Example | The window is broken and needs to be fixed. | When we opened the device, it was clear that its power source was shot. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | be, get, badly | power source, was damaged, technical failure, electrical malfunction, equipment issue |
| 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') | Confusing 'shot' with 'shut'., Using 'its' instead of 'it's' (it is)., Overusing the phrase in non-technical contexts. |
| 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 in technical contexts, especially when discussing equipment or machinery. Not suitable for casual conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: Broken vs Its power source was shot
What's the difference between Broken and Its power source was shot?
Broken: not working or damaged Its power source was shot: The power supply was damaged.
Which is more common: Broken and Its power source was shot?
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. Its power source was shot: When we opened the device, it was clear that its power source was shot.
Can I use Broken and Its power source was shot interchangeably?
Not always. Broken and Its power source was shot 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.