Broken English
- David Fisher
- Nov 18
- 2 min read
Never make fun of someone who speaks broken English.
It means they know another language
What Is Broken English?
Broken English refers to English that is understandable but contains grammar mistakes, missing words, wrong word order, or incorrect forms.It usually happens when someone is still learning English or translating directly from another language.
Effects / Outcomes of Using Broken English
Meaning may become unclear or confusing - If grammar or word order is wrong, the listener may misunderstand or interpret the message incorrectly. Example: Broken English: Me go store now later. Correct English: I’m going to the store later. Outcome? The listener may not know when you are going.
Miscommunication or mistakes may occur - Wrong grammar can change the meaning of a message entirely. Example: Broken English: I give you money yesterday. Correct English: I gave you money yesterday. Outcome? The listener might think the speaker is giving money now, not before.
It may sound less professional or credible - In formal situations (business, interviews, academic writing), broken English can make the speaker seem less prepared or less knowledgeable, even when they are smart. Example: Broken English: Company need make more good strategy. Correct English: The company needs to develop a better strategy. Outcome? The message sounds less professional.
People may focus on the errors instead of the message - Listeners sometimes pay more attention to the incorrect English than the actual content. Example: Broken English: This product make me very happy, is working good. Correct English: This product makes me very happy, it works well. Outcome? The review might seem less convincing.
Communication may still succeed - Even with errors, you may understand the main point. Example: Broken English: Where bathroom? I need go fast. Correct English: Where is the bathroom? I need to go quickly.Outcome? The meaning is clear enough to help the speaker.
Examples of Broken English vs Correct English
Broken English | Correct English | Outcome |
She no here today. | She is not here today. | Listener may wonder if speaker means now or always. |
I want talk you. | I want to talk to you. | Missing words make the sentence sound abrupt. |
We go eat now? | Shall we go eat now? | Still understood, but informal and grammatically wrong. |
He very angry yesterday. | He was very angry yesterday. | The word 'was' is missing which makes the time unclear. |
Using broken English is not bad, it is part of learning a language. Most English speakers around the world use some level of broken English, and communication still works.
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