What's the Difference Between 'Brake' and 'Break'?

In this blog post we look at when to use brake and when to use break.

'Brake' or 'Break'?

"Break" and "brake" are two words that are often confused because they are similar in spelling and pronunciation, but they have different meanings.

"Break" is a verb that means to cause something to separate into pieces, to interrupt or stop something, or to pause or rest. It can also be used as a noun to refer to a pause or rest, or to a point where something is interrupted or stopped.

"Brake" is a noun that refers to a device used to slow down or stop a vehicle, or a mechanism that slows or stops the movement of something. It can also be used as a verb to mean "to use the brakes."

In summary, "break" means to cause something to separate into pieces, to interrupt or stop something, or to pause or rest, while "brake" refers to a device used to slow down or stop a vehicle, or a mechanism that slows or stops the movement of something.

Here are some examples that illustrate the difference between "break" and "brake":

  • "He might break the glass by accident." (The glass could be shattered) (verb)

  • The toy car will break under so much pressure (The toy car will cease to operate) (verb)

  • "I need to take a break from studying."  (Time off to rest) (noun)

  • "There will be a break in the program for a commercial."  (Time off to rest) (noun)

  • "She applied the brakes to stop the car." (stop the car) (verb)

  • "He checked the brakes before starting the long drive." (mechanism for slowing or stopping a vehicle) (noun)

  • "I need to press the brake pedal to stop the car." (verb)

  • "He had to replace the brakes on his car." (noun)

Examples of Brake in a Sentence

Here are some example sentences using the word “brake”:

  1. I had to brake suddenly to avoid hitting the car in front of me.

  2. The driver applied the brakes, bringing the bus to a stop at the bus station.

  3. The bike's brakes were not working properly, so the rider had to rely on using their feet to slow down.

  4. The brakes on my car are making a loud squealing noise; I think I need to get them replaced.

  5. The pilot had to brake hard to bring the airplane to a stop on the runway.

  6. The skier used their ski poles to brake and slow down as they approached the bottom of the slope.

  7. The driver stomped on the brake pedal, but the car didn't seem to be slowing down.

  8. I had to brake sharply to avoid running over the cat that ran out into the road.

  9. The train's brakes squealed as it came to a stop at the station.

  10. The driver hit the brakes and swerved to avoid the deer that ran across the road.

Examples of Break in a Sentence

Here are some example sentences using the word “break”:

  1. I need to take a break and get some water before we continue working.

  2. I'm going to break for lunch and eat something before we continue.

  3. We had to break the lock on the door to get inside.

  4. I need to break this habit of procrastinating before it gets any worse.

  5. The company announced that it would be breaking ground on the new building next month.

  6. I'm trying to break my addiction to social media.

  7. The band is going on tour to promote their new album and they are breaking in a new drummer.

  8. I'm going to break this dollar bill into smaller denominations to pay for my purchase.

  9. The students decided to break for summer vacation and spend some time traveling.

  10. The teacher gave the students a ten minute break to stretch and get some fresh air.


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Brake or Break
Brake or Break