Brake vs Break: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Brake" means to slow down or stop a vehicle, while "break" is used to mean to shatter or to take a pause.
Memory Tip: brake = stop a car, break = snap or pause
brake has a long 'a', break has a short 'e'
brake /breɪk/
nounA brake is a device used to stop or slow down a vehicle.
Example:
She pressed the brake gently to stop the car at the red light.
Common patterns:
apply the brakes
brake failure
emergency brake
break /breɪk/
verbTo break means to make something not work or not whole.
Example:
I need to take a break because I've been studying for hours.
Common patterns:
break a glass
break a toy
Common Mistakes
I need to break the car quickly to avoid the accident.
I need to brake the car quickly to avoid the accident.
The word 'brake' is used because it refers to slowing down or stopping a vehicle.
Let's take a brake and grab some coffee.
Let's take a break and grab some coffee.
The word 'break' is used because it refers to taking a pause or rest.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. She pressed the ____ gently to stop the car at the red light.
2. I need to take a ____ because I've been studying for hours.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse brake / break again
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