VOA一分钟英语：Break 五个用法

在英语中，一个单词拥有多个词性或多个用法的现象并不少见。单词 “break” 就是一个典型的例子。它既可以作动词，也可以作名词使用。作动词时，“break” 除了指物体 “破碎” 以外，还有哪些意思？作名词时的用法又有哪些呢？
 
We're going to look at five different uses of the word 'break'.
As a verb, 'break' can have many meanings, but today, we are only going to look at three.
Number 1: it means 'to separate into pieces'.
Oh no! I sat on my glasses! But thankfully they didn't break!
2: 'break' means that something doesn't operate, or doesn't function properly.
Why is my laptop not working? Don't tell me it's broken!
And meaning number 3: it means 'to surpass', or 'do better than something else'.
Have you seen that new horror film? It broke all the box office records!
As an adjective, 'breaking' is very often used together with the word 'news' to mean the news is very very recent.
I get breaking news notifications on my phone.
And, finally, as a noun, 'break' means 'to stop working for a short time'.
It's time for a break!
 
用法总结
 
1. 动词 “break” 可以表达 “打破” 某物，或某物 “破碎，碎裂”。 
He broke the window to get into the house.
Oh no! I sat on my glasses! But thankfully they didn't break!
 
2. 动词 “break” 还可以表达机器等物品不能正常运转，“弄坏，坏掉”。
Why is my laptop not working? Don't tell me it's broken!
My phone broke down. It's too old.
 
3. 动词 “break” 也可以用来描述 “超越成绩，打破纪录”。
Have you seen that new horror film? It broke all the box office records!
Once again, this athlete has broken the world record!
 
4. 形容词 “breaking” 可与 “news” 搭配，用来表达新闻、消息是 “突发的，最新的”。
I get breaking news notifications on my phone.
 
5. 名词 “break” 可以表达 “（短暂的）休息，休息时间”。
It's time for a break!
Come back inside class, children! Break time is over.