[fface]

Hi susan,

Is it correct to say this:
'My watch broke down.'

Thank you very much.

[susan53]

Hmm.... depends. You might say it if it was a very hi-tech version, but for most ordinary "mechanical" versions My watch is broken would be more likely. As I said above, break down tends to be used with more complex machinery/technology - eg :

I have to repair our terrible photocopier, which breaks down about twice a week.

[fface]

Hi susan,

Does the 'broken' in 'my watch is broken' mean to separate into two or more pieces? Or it just means 'isn't working' ?

Can I say
'There's something wrong with my watch'
or
'My watch is out of order'?

Thanks a lot and Happy New Year!

[susan53]

It just means "not working". And the other two would be fine.
Happy New Year to you too

[fface]

Hi susan,

What else can 'to be broken' be applicable to when it means 'not working'?

Thank you very much.

[susan53]

Any simple tool or instrument which isn't working properly or at all can be described as "broken". For example :

- Don't take any notice of that thermometer - it's broken.
- I didn't make a cake because my food mixer is broken.
- I'm sorry it's so hot in here. The fan is broken.

The more complex the system or machine, the more likely it is that "break down" will be used instead.

- I had to walk up eight flights of stairs because the lift had broken down.
- I'd offer you a lift, but my car has broken down

[fface]

Hi susan,

Can I use these expressions with toilets?

There's something wrong with the toilet.
The toilet is out of order.
The toilet isn't working.
The toilet is broken.
The toilet has broken down.

Thanks a lot.