the train broke down vs the car break down

These two phrases are not directly comparable because they refer to different modes of transportation. "The train broke down" is correct when talking about a train experiencing mechanical failure, while "the car break down" is incorrect because it should be "the car broke down."

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 734 views

the train broke down

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe a train experiencing mechanical failure.

This phrase is used when a train stops working due to a mechanical issue or failure. It indicates that the train is no longer operational.

Examples:

The train broke down on the tracks, causing delays for all passengers.
I was late to work because the train broke down this morning.
When the train broke down, the conductor informed us of the situation.
Passengers were asked to disembark after the train broke down unexpectedly.
The repair crew was called in to fix the train that broke down during rush hour.

Show examples from the web [+]

Apr 7, 2015 ... ... were canceled. Buses were providing service between Concord and Lincoln. The train broke down on the Fitchburg/South Acton line.
Jan 6, 2014 ... Rosa says the train broke down outside of Niles, and that passengers were told another train would be by to help get them to their destination.
Jun 21, 2015 ... The train broke down at the Berlin station. It is unclear what caused the delay and power loss before the train continued to Hartford. 41.621488 - ...
Jul 7, 2014 ... The train broke down in the north tunnel, which runs trains from the UK to France. Passengers were taken off the train via a service tunnel and ...

the car break down

This phrase is incorrect in English. The correct form should be "the car broke down."

The correct phrase to use is "the car broke down" when referring to a car experiencing mechanical failure. The verb "broke" should be in the past tense to match the subject.

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, ...

Alternatives:

The car broke down on the highway.
I had to call a tow truck when the car broke down.
When the car broke down, I had to get it repaired at the mechanic.
We were stranded on the road after the car broke down.
The car broke down in the middle of nowhere.

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the train broke down vs the car break down