Your Quick Guide to Break vs. Brake

Your Quick Guide to Break vs. Brake Do you break a promise and apply breaks? Or is it the other way around?Break and brake are two homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings) and are often confused in the English language. Lets look at the definition and context of each, as well as some examples, to help clarify the confusion.BreakMerriam-Webster defines break as follows:to separate into parts with suddenness or violenceto cause (a bone) to separate into two or more pieces : fractureto cause an open wound in : ruptureto cut into and turn over the surface of the soilto render inoperable broke his watchviolate, transgress the law break or a promiseNote that break can be used as a noun or a verb, and can have multiple meanings- although all meanings relate to stopping something, separating something into parts, transgressing a law or promise, or rendering something inoperable.Lets look at break used in both contexts:Example of break used as a noun: My lunch break was long enough to get some running time in.Example of break used as a verb: You can use my headphones, but please dont break them!BrakeMerriam-Webster defines brake as follows:a device for arresting or preventing the motion of a mechanism usually by means of frictionsomething used to slow down or stop movement or activityIts important to note that brake can be a noun or a verb, but both refer to the mechanical act of stopping something in motion. For example, lets look at brake used in both contexts:Example of brake used as a noun: I applied the brakes but the car wouldnt slow down fast enough to avoid a collision.Example of brake used as a verb: I braked as soon as I could but still couldnt avoid a collision.An easy tipSince break is obviously the most used of these two homophones, an easy way to remember how to distinguish between the two is to ask yourself if the action or noun to be used in a sentece is related to the mechanical act of stopping something. If so, use brake. Otherwise, break is most likely the corr ect choice.