Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner1]

Hello,

1.'The computer broke down again.'

Could we use 'broke' and 'be out of order' instead of 'broke down' here? And if they can be instead, is there any difference among them? e.g.

'The computer broke again.'
'The computer is out of order again.'
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2."The police had to break down the door to get into the house."

Could we use 'break' instead of 'break down' here? Do they have the same meaning if 'break' can be used here? e.g.

'The police had to break the door to get into the house.'

Thank you very much.

[cgage2]

Broke down is more discriptive and tends to indicate a complete action.

[learner1]

Hello cgage2,

Thank you for your answer. But I am afraid I don't understand your explanation. So, could you please tell me the difference among 'break', 'break down' and 'be out of order' here?

Thank you very much.