What does the phrasal verb “break in” mean?

What are the definitions of “break in”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Go into a building to steal something.

  The burglars BROKE IN and stole the TV and video.

• 2. Interrupt something.

  I'm sorry to BREAK IN on your conversation, but there's a problem.

• 3. Train a horse to be ridden.

  It took ages to BREAK the horse IN.

• 4. Carefully use new products until they are fully functional..

  I must watch my speed until I BREAK IN my new Volvo.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “break in”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb break in is to enter a building illegally, usually to steal something. It often refers to burglars or thieves who force their way into a building to commit a crime.

What are the different verb forms of “break in”?

Root Verb	break in
Third Person Singular Present	breaks in
Present Participle	breaking in
Simple Past	broke in
Past Participle	broken in

Example

The thieves broke in and stole the jewelry.

Example

He breaks in to houses when the owners are on vacation.

Example

The burglars were breaking in when the police arrived.

Example

Someone broke in last night and took my laptop.

Example

The house had been broken in to, and the valuables were gone.

What kind of phrasal verb is “break in”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“break in” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

The burglars broke in through the back door.

Example

She broke in to interrupt the meeting.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“break in” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

The burglars broke in through the back door.

Example

She broke in to interrupt the meeting.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “break in”?

Break in on

Interrupt someone or something, often suddenly or unexpectedly.

Example

I didn't mean to break in on your conversation, but I have an urgent message.

Break a horse in

Train a horse to be ridden or to accept a rider.

Example

The trainer is skilled at breaking horses in for riding.

Break something in

Carefully use a new product until it becomes comfortable or fully functional.

Example

I need to break in my new shoes before the long hike.

Good things to know

Does “break in” have an informal or formal tone?

Break in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, news reports, and legal documents. The formality of the phrasal verb depends on the specific context in which it is used.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “break in”?

Synonyms

• burglarize
• intrude
• trespass
• interrupt
• interject
• train
• condition
• wear in
• ease in

Antonyms

• exit
• leave
• depart
• allow
• permit
• authorize
• lock
• secure