What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
broke
Example
I can't go on vacation this year because I'm broke. [broke: adjective]
Example
She accidentally broke the vase while cleaning. [broke: past tense of break]
ruined
Example
The storm ruined their outdoor wedding ceremony. [ruined: verb]
Example
His careless actions ruined his chances of getting the job. [ruined: past tense of ruin]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Broke is more commonly used than ruined in everyday language. Broke is versatile and covers a wide range of financial contexts, while ruined is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between broke and ruined?
While broke is typically associated with informal language, ruined can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the severity of the situation being described.
