What are the definitions of “break into”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “break into”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb break into is to enter a building or a place forcibly and illegally, usually with the intention of stealing something. For example, it can mean breaking into a house, a car, or a store.
What are the different verb forms of “break into”?
| Root Verb | break into |
| Third Person Singular Present | breaks into |
| Present Participle | breaking into |
| Simple Past | broke into |
| Past Participle | broken into |
Example
The thief tried to break into the house.
Example
He breaks into cars for a living.
Example
The burglars were breaking into the store when the police arrived.
Example
Someone broke into my car last night.
Example
The house had been broken into while they were on vacation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “break into”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“break into” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The thief broke into the house.
Example
She broke into the industry with her unique talent.
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 into” 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 thief broke into the house.
Example
She broke into the industry with her unique talent.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “break into”?
Good things to know
Does “break into” have an informal or formal tone?
Break into 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 written texts. The formality of the phrasal verb depends on the specific context in which it is used.
