What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
intact
Example
The vase remained intact after it fell off the shelf. [intact: adjective]
Example
The evidence must be kept intact to ensure a fair trial. [intact: adverb]
unbroken
Example
The mirror was unbroken despite the impact of the ball. [unbroken: adjective]
Example
The silence was unbroken by any sound. [unbroken: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intact and unbroken are both relatively common words in English, but intact is more frequently used in formal contexts, such as academic writing or legal documents.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between intact and unbroken?
Intact is generally considered more formal than unbroken, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
