my cellphone broke down vs my cellphone has broken down

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'My cellphone broke down' is used to describe a past event, while 'My cellphone has broken down' is used to indicate a recent event with a connection to the present. The choice between the two depends on the emphasis the speaker wants to give to the timing of the breakdown.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 4167 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to describe a past event of a cellphone breaking down.

"my cellphone broke down"

This phrase is used to talk about a cellphone that stopped working in the past.

Examples:

My cellphone broke down yesterday, and I had to get it repaired.
I missed an important call because my cellphone broke down during the meeting.

Show examples from the web [+]

What, you finally broke down and bought a cellphone?
Meantime, here's my cellphone.
There's a rocket engine that broke down.
Post office's motorcycle broke down.
Hallam broke down and told Ross everything.
Air conditioner broke down at nursing home.
I found this bug in my cellphone.
Your satellite officially trumps my cellphone.
Call me on my cellphone if you find anything.
He orders me to give him my cellphone and wallet.
Thrilled to see a star, I filmed everything with my cellphone to show my friends University.
I want to check my cellphone.
No, that was my cellphone.
You have my cellphone - call me anytime.
I held my cellphone and I watched the minutes go by.
I brought my notes and my cellphone.
I'm switching my cellphone off.
I asked if you took my cellphone.
My cellphone died and some guy is after me.
OK, I'll take my cellphone with me.

Alternatives:

My cellphone stopped working
My cellphone malfunctioned

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate a recent event of a cellphone breaking down with a connection to the present.

"my cellphone has broken down"

This phrase is used to talk about a cellphone that has recently stopped working and the impact is still relevant.

Examples:

I can't call you right now because my cellphone has broken down.
My cellphone has broken down twice this month, I need to get it checked.

Show examples from the web [+]

Once again, the communication process has broken down.
Dear Vaso, the bendex has broken down.
The introduction of new technologies, computers and telecommunications has broken down barriers and transcended borders.
Growth has broken down in the Union.
His carriage has broken down in the rain.
Their car has broken down and they have a garage.
(Imitates Ricardo Montalban) The Casillases' car has broken down, so they will be late for the symphony.
No! Listen, our truck has broken down.
We went to a village to stage a play... and our van has broken down.
An articulated heavy goods vehicle has broken down on the Mortlake road, and the traffic is...
As vice-chairman of the Estonian delegation, I am concerned about information received that social dialogue in Estonia has broken down.
In areas hit by crisis and war, in refugee camps and everywhere where public order has broken down, conditions are often catastrophic.
Nothing I have tried, has broken down the magical barrier, between Earth and Asgard.
Nick, there's a lady here whose car has broken down on the main road.
My vehicle has broken down in Maiden Creek and I find myself in desperate need of a mechanic.
Following the war, Iraq is a country in which the entire social fabric has broken down.
Gaetano's truck has broken down at Cisterna.
Even those behind the Barcelona process consider that it has broken down - that is the description which has been used - and it is a long way from having fulfilled its promises.
The European Parliament is seriously concerned that the political dialogue between the Ethiopian government and the opposition has broken down due to the ruling party's stance.
The EU has broken down barriers across Europe for many years, yet so many infrastructural barriers remain in energy and must be addressed.

Alternatives:

My cellphone is not working
My cellphone has malfunctioned

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my cellphone broke down vs my cellphone has broken down