Sound-alike words

Brake vs. Break

Brake means to slow or stop a vehicle, or the device that does it. Break has many meanings: to split into pieces, to stop working, or a short rest. You brake at a red light and break for lunch.

Word	Part of speech	Meaning
brake	noun	a device that slows or stops a moving vehicle or machine
brake	verb	to slow down or stop by using a brake
break	verb	to separate into pieces, damage something, or stop working
break	noun	a short pause or rest from work or another activity

Brake

noun: a device that slows or stops a moving vehicle or machine

The mechanic said the front brakes need new pads.
Pull the hand brake before you get out of the car.

verb: to slow down or stop by using a brake

Ana braked hard when a deer ran onto the road.
Start braking early when the road is wet.

Break

verb: to separate into pieces, damage something, or stop working

Be careful not to break the eggs in the bag.
My headphones broke the day after I bought them.

noun: a short pause or rest from work or another activity

Let's take a ten-minute break before the next meeting.
Students get a week off for spring break.

How to remember the difference

A car has an a, and so does brake. Break has the ea of eat and tea, two things you might do on a break.

Good to know

Brake and break are pronounced the same. The past of brake is braked, but the past of break is broke, and its past participle is broken. Phrases like break a record, break the news and a lucky break all use break.

Spot the mistake

The bus driver hit the ~~breaks~~ brakes just in time.
Correct: The bus driver hit the brakes just in time.
Let's take a short ~~brake~~ break and finish after lunch.
Correct: Let's take a short break and finish after lunch.

Check yourself

Pick the word that fits each sentence.

1. Always gently when riding a bike on gravel.

2. Be careful, or you'll the glass vase.