Damage,break ,out of work

Question

Hi,
Could you please tell me how these word are different?
Is there any terms in this sense which a native speaker uses when an appliance doesn't work properly?

If you don't mind ,Use this in context please

Regards

Captainladyace · Accepted Answer

This is how a US native English speaker (myself) would use the words.

'Damaged' usually refers to an appliance which, although it may not work, at least I can work around it. However, if I was pull something off a store shelf, and I say it is damaged, I still won't buy it because I want something that is top quality for my money. It usually implies something rather serious though, beyond getting it back to a normal state.

Ex: The chandelier was damaged in the mail. The arm was crushed by a heavier object.

'Damage' is also a noun, as in the actual broken pieces itself. 'Damage' is also used in US slang for a large sum of money being spent, in the context that it will damage one's bank account.

Ex: Give me the bill, let's see the damage...

'To break' something implies something completely being beyond repair, as in snapped in half, etc. Whereas 'damage' can imply a greater overall state, 'break' more often than not is directed at a specific piece. It can imply cheapness depending on context.

Ex: I broke my pencil. I need to get up and sharpen it now.

Ex: The conquering army broke down the fortress's wall.
Here, 'break' means to destroy completely

'To break' is also a slang term for turning a large bill into several smaller bills of the same value.

Ex: Can you break a twenty? Sure, I can give you two fives and a ten.

'Out of work' is used to refer to people that are unemployed.

Perhaps you mean 'out of order'? 'Out of order' usually refers to commercial or industrial machinery, where consumers do not need to know what is wrong because it is not their responsibility. It is not in use currently because some part of it is not working, but will be fixed shortly by employees.

Ex: The bathroom on the fifth floor is out of order, so we need to use the one of the fourth floor.

I hope this helps!

Rashin · Answer

Thanks helpful.

How about "dead" or "cactus"?

The ****** washing machine is dead. Is it not working for ever????????

Regards

BarbaraPA · Answer

If something is "dead" it's not working, but unlike human death, it can be brought back. I routinely say "My phone is dead" when the battery needs to be recharged. You can also use it to mean it's so broken it can't be fixed. "The blender is dead. We need to go get a new one."

I have no idea what you mean by "cactus."

Rashin · Answer

Thanks dear Greek,that was helpful.

Cactus is Aust. slang means dead.But the second meaning of dead( so broken) as you suggests:
I didn't see "cactus" for drained electric charge. Please let me know if you see it in this meaning.

****** washing machine is dead.= It is not in use.

Regards

Damage,break ,out of work

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