Each of the forms break, breaks, broke, broken, and breaking is commonly spoken of as a word; but these forms do not count as five different words in the English language. They are the five forms of one word, the verb break.

These five forms of the verb are not all used alike.

The first one may be used to assert, and therefore be a verb; thus, The prisoners break stones for the road.

It may also be used so that it does not assert; thus, I expect to break the dish.

(What is the verb in the last sentence? How are the words to break used in it?)

The second and third forms are always verbs if used correctly; thus, Ice breaks up in March. I broke the dish.

The fourth and fifth forms never assert; thus, She is breaking her promise. Breaking horses requires patience. The dish broken into pieces was thrown away. She has broken the dish.