my washer had broken down vs my washer has broken down

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'My washer had broken down' is used when referring to a past event that happened before another past event. 'My washer has broken down' is used when talking about a recent event that has an impact on the present.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 638 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a past event that happened before another past event.

"my washer had broken down"

This phrase is used to talk about a washing machine that stopped working in the past, before another event in the past. It indicates that the breakdown occurred before something else.

Examples:

My washer had broken down before I moved to a new house.
By the time I called the repairman, my washer had broken down.
I realized my washer had broken down when I tried to do laundry yesterday.

Alternatives:

My washer broke down
My washer had stopped working
My washer had a breakdown
My washer had a malfunction
My washer had a technical issue

This phrase is correct and commonly used when talking about a recent event that has an impact on the present.

"my washer has broken down"

This phrase is used to talk about a washing machine that stopped working recently, with the implication that it is still not working. It indicates a current situation resulting from the breakdown.

Examples:

I can't do laundry because my washer has broken down.
My washer has broken down, and I need to call a repair service.
Since my washer has broken down, I have to go to the laundromat.

Alternatives:

My washer is broken
My washer stopped working
My washer is out of order
My washer is malfunctioning
My washer is not functioning

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my washer had broken down vs my washer has broken down