What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
busted
Example
The kids accidentally busted the window while playing baseball. [busted: verb]
Example
The police busted the drug dealer during a raid. [busted: past tense]
broken
Example
The TV is broken and needs to be repaired. [broken: adjective]
Example
She was heartbroken after her pet dog passed away. [broken: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Broken is more commonly used than busted in everyday language. Broken is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while busted is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between busted and broken?
While broken can be used in both formal and informal contexts, busted is typically associated with a more casual and colloquial tone.
