broken and broken down
Do we use BROKEN DOWN with things like machines/devices, etc., and just BROKEN with non-mechanical/electronic things ?

So, when a computer doesn't work - the only thing we can say is-it's broken DOWN ? (not just broken, if it's not smashed, etc)

Whereas for a chair-we must say-It's broken (not broken down ) ?

Or there's something else/more about break and break down ?

Thanks !!!!!

Question

broken and broken down
Do we use BROKEN DOWN with things like machines/devices, etc.,   and just BROKEN with non-mechanical/electronic things ?

So, when a computer doesn't work - the only thing we can say is-it's broken DOWN ? (not just broken, if it's not smashed, etc)

Whereas for a chair-we must say-It's broken (not broken down ) ?

Or there's something else/more about break and break down ?

Thanks !!!!!

Answer

Generally, use "broken down" or "broke down" with machines. Any device that mechanically performs physical labor. For example: a car, a lawn mower, a machine that stamps post cards.

Anything other than those* machines should be referred to simply as "broken". A chair breaks. A computer breaks or "crashes".  A pencil can be broken. A tree's branch is broken. Our government is broken. Very general usage.

*The one exception is that a human being can have a "breakdown", which refers to the state of becoming so overwhelmed emotionally that they cannot function.

Answers · 2

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