What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bust
Example
The company went bust due to financial mismanagement. [bust: noun]
Example
The police busted the drug ring after months of investigation. [busted: past tense verb]
break
Example
She accidentally broke the vase while cleaning. [broke: past tense verb]
Example
Let's take a break and have some snacks. [break: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Break is more commonly used than bust in everyday language. Break is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while bust is less common and has more specific applications.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bust and break?
While bust is typically associated with a more informal tone, break can be used in both formal and informal contexts.