"Break" or "Brake": Main Differences & How to Use Both Correctly as a Writer (2024)

Let’s hit the break and take a quick brake to break down the difference betweenbrakeandbreak.How does that sound, correct? Do you think break and brake were used correctly in the introductory sentence?

I’m sure you are as confused as I am at the choice of words and the mix-up between break and brake. Not to worry, this article comes to the rescue.

In this article, we’ll cover multiple meanings of these two words, including their most common uses as both verbs and nouns and their use in several common phrases. Most importantly, we’ll share the difference between the two words which will help you make informed decisions on when to use them correctly.

What Is The Meaning of Break?

If you were to search for the wordbreakin thedictionary, you might be overwhelmed by the number of definitions and uses this word has.Breakcan be defined as everything from “alter sharply in tone, pitch, or intensity” to “make an opening shot of a game of pool.” But we’ll review only the most common uses of the wordbreak.

When used as a noun,breakmost often refers to “an interruption in continuity” or “a pause or rest during work, an activity, or an event.”

As a verb,breakalso has many definitions. It often refers to “separate into parts or pieces with suddenness,” “damage,” or “interrupt (a sequence, course, or continuous state).”

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When To UseBreak In A Sentence

As a noun, a break has a lot of meanings which include a fracture, an interruption, a pause, a sudden move, an escape, and also an opportunity. Further, it also has many meanings when we use it as an irregular verb like splitting into pieces, making unusable, disrupting, or getting rid of and interrupting.

Moreso, we can also use it as a transitive verb like he breaks every toy he gets. When used as a verb, it can be used as a transitive and intransitive verb. In other words, it will take an object sometimes, and other times it won’t.

All in all, the central meaning of “break” is to interrupt the continuity. The transitiveverbwill be she broke the vase and the intransitive will be the vase broke due to her mistake. As a noun, we use it to mean an act of breaking like we should take a break now.

Now, let us take a look at the incorrect and correct use of brake vs break:

Incorrect:I don’t think you should trust her because she will brake your heart.

Correct:I don’t think you should trust her because she will break your heart.

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Examples of Break – Using Break in a Sentence

Here’s a look at some sentences including the word break to understand its meaning and usage correctly:

• Be careful with that vase, or you might break it.
• The fishermen set out just as the dawn began to break.
• Anyone who breaks the law will face severe consequences.
• The heat wave is expected to break by the end of the week.
• I have learned that even a good friend can break a promise.

What Is The Meaning of Brake?

Brakecan be used as a noun and as a verb. As a noun, it refers to “a device that stops or prevents the motion of an automobile or machine by using friction.” Think of your car or bicyclebrakes.Getting around in either one of these would be pretty scary if you didn’t havebrakes.

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When To UseBrake In A Sentence

Brake is a term that refers to a mechanism that slows or stops the movement of a vehicle or machine. When used as a mode of transportation, we will use it in plural form, such as when her brakes failed.

Furthermore, we can also USS “brake” as a verb. The word “brake” is most commonly used to refer to our car. It is a mechanism that prevents your car from driving. Similarly, when you utilize it to stop your car, we refer to it as braking.

For instance, I always forget to apply the parking brake. Now, let us take a look at the incorrect and correct use of brake vs break:

Incorrect:Another driver cut me off so I had to break suddenly.

Correct:Another driver cut me off so I had to brake suddenly.

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Examples of Sentences Using The Word Brake

Examples can help you get a clearer idea of the word. So, let’s take a look at a few examples:

• Do not forget to use the brake to stop the bus in good time.
• I saw an interesting bumper sticker today which said, “I brake for yard sales.”
• Tony had to brake hard to avoid the oncoming biker.
• You should brake gently when driving on icy roads to avoid skidding.
• The mechanic checked the brakes and found that the pads were worn out.

Difference BetweenBrake Vs Break

Brake is basically a device that helps in slowing down or stopping the movement of a vehicle or machine. We use it in theplural formgenerally when we refer to modes of transportation.

On the other hand, break is a word with many meanings. The most common ones are splitting into pieces, making them unusable, getting rid of, and interrupting. As a noun,breakcan refer to an instance of something being broken (as inLuckily it was a clean break) or the spot at which it has been broken (as inYou can see the break in the glass right there). It also commonly refers to a pause from working or exertion (as inIt’s almost time for a break).

To remember the difference between brake vs break, one must remember this little tip. Take the word breakfast and you will see that it comes from two words break plus fast. It means you break your fast. Thus, this will help you keep the meanings separate when using.

FAQs On Break or Brake

Conclusion

Brake is basically a device that helps in slowing down or stopping the movement of a vehicle or machine. On the other hand, break is a word with many meanings. The most common ones are splitting into pieces, making them unusable, getting rid of, and interrupting. As a noun,breakcan refer to an instance of something being broken

References

• dictionary.com – Brake vs. Break: Stop Everything & Learn The Difference
• toppr.com – Brake Vs Break

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