The V3 form of "break" is broken.
The V3 form, also known as the past participle, is a fundamental component in English grammar, particularly for constructing perfect tenses, the passive voice, and when functioning as an adjective. The verb "break" refers to actions such as to "destroy or separate into pieces" or to "interrupt" something.
Crucially, "break" is categorized as an irregular verb. This means it does not follow the standard pattern of adding "-ed" to form its past simple (V2) and past participle (V3) forms, unlike regular verbs such as "walk" (walked, walked). Instead, its forms change distinctly.
Understanding the Forms of "Break"
Here is a clear breakdown of the principal forms of the verb "break":
| Verb Form | Example | Typical Usage |
|---|---|---|
| V1 (Base Form) | break |
Present simple, infinitives, imperative mood |
| V2 (Simple Past) | broke |
Actions completed at a specific time in the past |
| V3 (Past Participle) | broken |
Perfect tenses, passive voice, descriptive adjective |
How "Broken" is Used in Sentences
The past participle "broken" is versatile and is used in several grammatical constructions:
-
In Perfect Tenses: When combined with auxiliary verbs like "have," "has," or "had," "broken" forms perfect tenses, indicating actions completed at an unspecified time or prior to another event.
- Example (Present Perfect): She has broken her glasses again.
- Example (Past Perfect): They realized the fence had broken during the storm.
- Example (Future Perfect): By next week, the old machine will have broken down completely.
-
In the Passive Voice: Used with forms of the verb "to be" ("is," "was," "are," "were," "been," etc.) to highlight that the subject is the recipient of the action, rather than the performer.
- Example: The ancient artifact was broken into many pieces.
- Example: These rules are rarely broken.
-
As an Adjective: "Broken" can directly modify a noun, describing its state or condition after an action has occurred.
- Example: He tried to mend the broken relationship.
- Example: She found a broken branch on the path.
Understanding the irregular nature of verbs like "break" is fundamental for accurate and effective communication in English. For further exploration of verb forms and English grammar, reliable resources such as Cambridge Dictionary's grammar section can provide comprehensive insights.
