Phrasal verbs "break into" vs "burst into"

Differences between break into and burst into

Break into means to enter a place illegally or by force, while burst into means to suddenly enter a place or start doing something with a lot of energy or emotion.

Meanings and Definitions: break into vs burst into

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Break into

  • 1Suddenly start singing or performing.

    I almost expected him to break into song.

  • 2to successfully enter or establish oneself in a field.

    It’s always been his ambition to break into broadcasting.

  • 3Enter a building forcibly and illegally.

    Michael Masters was giving her a time, and a day, to break into his house and take his pistols.

  • 4To suddenly start laughing uncontrollably.

    Suddenly I was aware that his neatly parted grey hair was a wig, a discovery which triggered an irrational urge to break into laughter.

  • 5To use or access a reserved or designated resource, not for its original intent.

    We had to break into our savings to pay the fine.

Burst into

  • 1Catch fire very quickly.

    The car BURST INTO flames and the driver died as he didn't have time to get out.

  • 2Laugh, cry or clap loudly.

    She BURST INTO laughter when she heard the joke.

Usage Examples: break into, burst into in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

break into

Example

The thief tried to break into the house.

Example

He breaks into cars for a living.

burst into

Example

The audience burst into applause after the performance.

Example

He bursts into tears when he hears the sad news.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Break into

force one's way into

To enter a place by using physical strength or violence.

Example

The burglars forced their way into the jewelry store and stole all the diamonds.

To enter someone's property without permission.

Example

The hikers were fined for trespassing on private land.

To gain unauthorized access to a computer system or network.

Example

The company's database was compromised when a hacker hacked into their system.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Burst into

erupt into

To suddenly start doing something with a lot of energy or emotion.

Example

The audience erupted into applause when the singer finished her performance.

To suddenly start doing something with a lot of energy or emotion.

Example

The kids broke out into a dance when their favorite song came on the radio.

erupt in

To suddenly start expressing strong emotions or reactions.

Example

The meeting erupted in arguments when the controversial topic was brought up.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “burst”

Phrasal Verbs with “into”

Differences in break into vs burst into: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: break into or burst into?

Both break into and burst into are commonly used in everyday conversation, but burst into is slightly more common. This is because it can be used in a wider range of situations, such as bursting into laughter or song.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of break into and burst into

Break into and burst into are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. However, break into can also be used in more formal contexts, such as news reports or legal documents, when referring to illegal entry.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of break into and burst into

The tone of break into is often associated with criminal activity or danger, while burst into has a more positive connotation of sudden energy or excitement.

break into & burst into: Synonyms and Antonyms

Break into

Synonyms

Burst into

Synonyms

  • commence
  • erupt
  • explode
  • break out
  • suddenly start

Antonyms

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