Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word.
I am sorry I am so late. My car ________.

A. Broke up
B. Broke away
C. Broke down
D. Broke in

Answer 1

Hint:The sentence suggests that the speaker is sorry because he is late. The reason for his delay is caused by his car. Therefore, we will look for an option which means the reason or the cause of a delay.

Complete answer:
Let us analyse each option individually in detail to figure out the correct answer with the help of the above stated hint.

Broke up: The phrasal verb ‘broke up’ means to separate, or to end an alliance, to dissolve. Example: He broke up all the ties with his family due to their differences. This doesn’t mean something that would cause a delay. Therefore, this is not the correct option.

Broke away: The phrasal verb ‘broke away’ means to leave suddenly , or to separate figuratively. Example: A piece of rock broke away from the edge of the cliff. This doesn’t mean something that would cause a delay. Therefore, this is not the correct option.

Broke down: The phrasal verb ‘broke down’ means to cease to function, collapse physically or mentally. Example: The computer will break down if you use it at such a high speed. The meaning ‘to stop functioning’ means something that would cause a delay. Therefore, this is the correct option.

Broke in : The phrasal verb ‘broke in’ means to forcefully enter someone else’s premise without their permission.Example: The thieves broke in their house while they were out of the city. This doesn’t mean something that would cause a delay. Therefore, this is not the correct option.

Hence, the correct answer is option ‘C’.

Note:Phrasal verbs are a combination of two or more words that is, a verb and an adverb or a preposition that add more information to the given verb. Example: Get away. It means to pass easily with something wrongly done. Example: Because of his contacts, he got away easily with the crime.
Example: get over. It means to come out of the effect of something. Example: You need to get over the losses.