What are the definitions of “break through”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Pass a barrier or obstacle.
The crowd BROKE THROUGH the police barriers and attacked the hunters.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “break through”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb break through is to pass a barrier or obstacle. It can be used to describe a physical barrier, like a wall or fence, or a metaphorical barrier, like overcoming a challenge or difficulty.
What are the different verb forms of “break through”?
| Root Verb | break through |
| Third Person Singular Present | breaks through |
| Present Participle | breaking through |
| Simple Past | broke through |
| Past Participle | broken through |
Example
The athlete broke through the finish line tape.
Example
The sun breaks through the clouds on a rainy day.
Example
The plant is breaking through the soil as it grows.
Example
The soldiers broke through the enemy lines.
Example
The ice had broken through the surface of the lake.
What kind of phrasal verb is “break through”?
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 through” 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 protesters broke through the barriers.
Example
The sunlight broke through the clouds.
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 through” 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 protesters broke through the barriers.
Example
The sunlight broke through the clouds.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “break through”?
A significant development or discovery, often in science or technology.
Example
The new cancer treatment is a major breakthrough in medical research.
Overcome opposition or reluctance.
Example
The salesperson broke through the customer's resistance and closed the deal.
Good things to know
Does “break through” have an informal or formal tone?
Break through is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as academic writing or professional discussions.
