Break vs. Brake

Break and brake are two of the most common homophones – words that sound alike but have different meanings (and sometimes different spellings, in this case they do) – which people often know what they mean but are unsure on which one to use in a sentence.

This blog will explain what each term means and provide examples on how to use these terms correctly.

Break

Break can be used as a noun or verb.

Pronunciation: brayk

Definition: As a noun, break means an interruption of continuity or a pause during an activity.

Definition: As a transitive verb, break has a few different meanings. A common meaning of break is to separate or cause damage to something from a blow, shock, or strain. Other meanings are to violate something (such as to ‘break a promise’) or to interrupt something (such as to ‘break the silence’).

In the form of an intransitive verb, break means to stop doing something for a period of time, such as ‘having a drink break’.

Examples of Using Break In A Sentence

Used with adjectives

1. It is now time for our tea break. (Tea is the adjective).
2. The programme will return after the short break. (Short is the adjective).
3. University students will be at home for the summer break. (Summer is the adjective).

Used with verbs

1. After a hectic week, he deserves his break. (Deserves is the verb).
2. I need to break away from the crowd. (Need is the verb).
3. When am I allowed to take my break? (Take is the verb).

Used with nouns

1. It will be break (Time is the noun).

Used with prepositions

1. Can we take a break for lunch? (For is the preposition).
2. I need a break from this horrible weather. (From is the preposition).
3. She has worked all day without a break. (Without is the preposition).

Used with adverbs

1. A lot of glass products tend to break (Easily is the adverb).
2. My car looks like it will break (Eventually is the adverb).
3. I will break a piece of my chocolate in half to share with my partner. (In half is the adverb).

Use of Break In Common Expressions

Break is used in many common expressions in the English language. Some common expressions are as follows.

1. Break a leg.
2. Break a promise.
3. Break the ice.
4. Break the silence.
5. Break up with someone.
6. Break cover.
7. Break free.
8. A make-or-break situation.
9. Break a record.

Synonyms: damage, crack, shatter, smash, fracture, rupture, split, snap, tear, disrupt.

Antonyms: repair, mend, fix, build, cease, raise.

Brake

Brake can be used as noun or verb.

Pronunciation: brayk

Definition: As a noun, a brake is a mechanical device fitted into vehicles that slows or stops a moving vehicle.

Definition: As a verb, a brake is applied to make a vehicle slow down or stop.

Examples of Using Brake In A Sentence

1. Do not forget to use the brake to stop the car.
2. The car in front of me came to a sudden stop, which made me brake sharply to avoid an accident.

Synonyms: slow, restraint, damper, control, constraint.

Antonyms: accelerate, rush, push, hasten, drive.

The Different Tenses for Break and Brake

Simple Present Tense:

He/She/It breaks (brakes).

I break (brake).

You/We/They break (brake).

Present Continuous Tense:

He/She/It is breaking (braking).

I am breaking (braking).

You/We/They are breaking (braking).

Present Perfect Tense:

He/She/It has broken (braked).

I have broken (braked).

You/We/They have broken (braked).

Present Perfect Continuous Tense:

He/She/It has been breaking (braking).

I have been breaking (braking).

You/We/They have been breaking (braking).

Simple Past Tense:

He/She/It broke (braked).

I broke (braked).

You/We/They broke (braked).

Past Continuous Tense:

He/She/It was breaking (braking).

I was breaking (braking).

You/We/They are breaking (braking).

Past Perfect Tense:

He/She/It had broken (braked).

I had broken (braked).

You/We/They had broken (braked).

Past Perfect Continuous Tense:

He/She/It had been breaking (braking).

I had been breaking (braking).

You/We/They had been breaking (braking).

Simple Future Tense:

He/She/It will/shall break (brake).

I will/shall break (brake).

You/We/They will/shall break (brake).

Future Continuous Tense:

He/She/It will/shall be breaking (braking).

I will/shall be breaking (braking).

You/We/They will/shall be breaking (braking).

Future Perfect Tense:

He/She/It will/shall have broken (braked).

I will/shall have broken (braked).

You/We/They will/shall have broken (braked).

Future Perfect Continuous Tense:

He/She/It will/shall have been breaking (braking).

I will/shall have been breaking (braking).

You/We/They will/shall have been breaking (braking).

Infinitive:

To break (brake).

Perfect participle:

Having broken (braked).

How To Remember Which One To Use

An easy way to remember which one to use, similar to many things in life, is the use of rhyme. For example:

Trick with break – Break the bread to eat.

Take a break to read.

Trick with brake – For the sake of our family, apply the brake.

Conclusion

Break and brake are homophones, meaning they are pronounced the same but have different meanings and, in this case, different spellings.

Both break and brake can be used as a noun and verb.

Break is the act of interruption or causing damage to something.

Brake is a device fitted in vehicles used to make them stop.

Remember to also use the rhyming trick with each word to easily recognise which word should be used.

Alkyone can spot the incorrect use of homophones instantly and provide further advice and examples on which is the correct word to be used. Our editors at Alkyone all have over 5 years of experience with the English language and hold postgraduate qualifications or equivalent from leading UK universities. If you are interested in any of our services, then please contact us  for a FREE quote and we will be more than happy to assist you to produce the highest quality of work.