What does the phrasal verb “break up” mean?

What are the definitions of “break up”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

  • 1Break into many pieces.

    The plate BROKE UP when he dropped it on the floor.

  • 2Close an educational institution for the holidays.

    Schools BREAK UP at the end of June for the summer holidays.

  • 3Finish a relationship.

    They had been going out for a couple of years before they BROKE UP.

  • 4Become inaudible over the telephone because of interference.

    You're BREAKING UP; I'll call you back in a minute and see if we get a better connection.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb break up is to end a relationship, such as a romantic relationship, friendship, or partnership. It means that two people decide to stop being together as a couple or partners.

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

Root Verbbreak up
Third Person Singular Presentbreaks up
Present Participlebreaking up
Simple Pastbroke up
Past Participlebroken up

Example

They decided to break up after dating for two years.

Example

She breaks up with her boyfriend because they have different goals.

Example

He is breaking up with his business partner due to disagreements.

Example

They broke up last month after a big fight.

Example

They had broken up before but got back together.

What kind of phrasal verb is “break up”?

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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 up” 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

They broke up after a long relationship.

Example

The band broke up when the lead singer left.

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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 up” 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

They broke up after a long relationship.

Example

The band broke up when the lead singer left.

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

Break up a fight

To stop a physical or verbal fight between two or more people.

Example

The teacher had to break up the fight between the two students.

To add variety or change to a boring or repetitive situation.

Example

Taking a short walk can break up the monotony of working at a desk all day.

Break up into groups

To divide people into smaller groups for a specific purpose or activity.

Example

The teacher asked the students to break up into groups of four for the project.

Good things to know

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

Break up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, but it can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context. For example, when discussing the end of a business partnership, break up can have a more formal tone.

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

Synonyms

Antonyms

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