Differences between break in and get in
Break in means to enter a place by force or without permission, while get in means to enter a place with permission or by finding a way to do so.
Meanings and Definitions: break in vs get in
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Break in
- 1Go into a building to steal something.
The burglars BROKE IN and stole the TV and video.
- 2Interrupt something.
I'm sorry to BREAK IN on your conversation, but there's a problem.
- 3Train a horse to be ridden.
It took ages to BREAK the horse IN.
- 4Carefully use new products until they are fully functional..
I must watch my speed until I BREAK IN my new Volvo.
Get in
- 1Arrange for someone to do a job in your home, workplace, etc.
The air conditioning has broken down; we'll have to GET a technician IN to fix it.
- 2Arrive ( train, plane, etc. ).
Her plane GETS IN at 2am our time.
- 3Arrive home.
She didn't GET IN till well after twelve o'clock because she'd been out for a few drinks with her mates.
- 4Enter a car or taxi.
The taxi pulled up and we GOT IN.
- 5Buy or obtain supplies, like food.
We need to GET some coffee IN; we're completely out.
- 6Arrive at work, school, home.
I GOT IN late today because the train broke down.
- 7Enter a building or place.
I borrowed her pass to GET IN.
- 8Be elected.
The government GOT IN with a very small majority.
- 9Manage to say or do.
I couldn't GET a word IN throughout the meeting.
- 10Be admitted to a university, club, etc.
He did badly in the entrance exam and didn't GET IN.
- 11Bring inside a place.
It's raining; I'd better GET the washing IN.
- 12Submit, apply.
We have to GET the forms IN by the end of this week.
- 13Pay for drinks.
He GOT the drinks IN.
Usage Examples: break in, get in in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
break in
Example
The thieves broke in and stole the jewelry.
Example
He breaks in to houses when the owners are on vacation.
get in
Example
I always get in the car from the passenger side.
Example
She gets in the taxi and goes to the airport.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Break in
To enter someone's property without permission.
Example
The hikers were fined for trespassing on private land.
To enter a place or situation where one is not wanted or invited.
Example
I didn't want to intrude on their conversation, so I waited until they finished before approaching them.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get in
To come or go into a place.
Example
Please enter your password to access your account.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “break”
Phrasal Verbs with “get”
Differences in break in vs get in: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: break in or get in?
In everyday conversation, get in is more common than break in. This is because get in is used for more routine activities such as entering a building or a car. Break in is less common and usually associated with criminal activity.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of break in and get in
Get in is a neutral phrase that can be used in both formal and informal settings. Break in, on the other hand, is an informal phrase that is not suitable for formal contexts.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of break in and get in
The tone of break in is negative and associated with illegal or immoral activities. In contrast, the tone of get in is neutral and can vary depending on the context.
