the car broke down vs the car break down

The correct phrase is "the car broke down." The verb "broke" is the past tense of "break," and it is used in this context to indicate that the car stopped working suddenly. The phrase "the car break down" is incorrect because it uses the base form of the verb instead of the past tense.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 781 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"the car broke down"

This phrase is used to describe a situation where a car stops working suddenly or has mechanical problems.

Examples:

I was driving to work when the car broke down.
The car broke down in the middle of the highway.
If the car breaks down, we'll have to call a tow truck.
She was late because her car broke down on the way to the meeting.
We need to get the car checked before it breaks down again.

Show examples from the web [+]

And when the car broke down they started walking. Where were they going without ever. Knowing the way? [Chorus:] Anyone can see the road that they walk on
Apr 26, 2009 ... MTV Artist of the Week Spot - 05 - The Car Broke Down - Duration: 0:35. by XangelikaXhfX 2,590 views. 0:35. Panic! At The Disco: Miss ...
Oct 1, 2010 ... The Car Broke Down Cus Of A Cop. Subscribe!!! SubscribeSubscribed Unsubscribe 14. Loading... Loading... Working... Add to ...
Hi, Can I say 'The car broke last week' instead of 'The car broke down last week.' Can I say 'The car is out of order' instead of 'The car is broke down'? Is there ...

Alternatives:

the car stopped working
the car had a breakdown
the car had mechanical issues
the car malfunctioned
the car had engine trouble

This phrase is incorrect in English. The verb should be in the past tense, as in "broke down."

"the car break down"

Show examples from the web [+]

He buys an old car and continues on his journey, only to have the car break down in front of Solomon's General Store, where he is welcomed by Solomon, the ...
Grammar exercises. Conjugación verbal. Tiempos verbales en inglés.
I had all my luggage checked by customs, who didnt confiscate all the car licence plates I had, and had the car break down in the middle of the Arizona desert ...
In the absence of prayer, God would have decided it was best to let the car break down. Yet, because he knew the effect answered prayer would have on her, ...

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the car broke down vs the car break down