What are the definitions of “break out of”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Escape.
Three dangerous Category A prisoners BROKE OUT OF Wandsworth Prison last night.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “break out of”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb break out of is to escape from a place, especially a prison or a confined space. It is often used to describe a situation where someone manages to leave a place they were not supposed to leave.
What are the different verb forms of “break out of”?
| Root Verb | break out of |
| Third Person Singular Present | breaks out of |
| Present Participle | breaking out of |
| Simple Past | broke out of |
| Past Participle | broken out of |
Example
The dog managed to break out of the backyard.
Example
He always breaks out of his playpen when we're not looking.
Example
The prisoners are breaking out of the jail right now.
Example
The lion broke out of its cage at the zoo.
Example
The criminal had broken out of prison several times before.
What kind of phrasal verb is “break out of”?
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 out of” 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 prisoners broke out of the jail.
Example
The dog broke out of the backyard.
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 out of” 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 prisoners broke out of the jail.
Example
The dog broke out of the backyard.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “break out of”?
Good things to know
Does “break out of” have an informal or formal tone?
Break out of 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 even in more formal writing, depending on the specific context.
