What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fractured
Example
The X-ray showed that she had a fractured wrist. [fractured: adjective]
Example
The political party became fractured after the controversial decision. [fractured: verb]
Example
The earthquake caused the ground to become fractured and unstable. [fractured: verb]
broken
Example
She accidentally dropped the vase and it broke into a million pieces. [broke: past tense]
Example
After the loss of her loved one, she felt broken and alone. [broken: adjective]
Example
He was arrested for breaking the law. [breaking: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Broken is more commonly used than fractured in everyday language. Broken is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while fractured is a more specific term used primarily in medical or geological contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fractured and broken?
Fractured is a more formal term used primarily in technical or scientific contexts, while broken is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
