| Phrasal verb | Main meaning |
|---|---|
break into [breɪk ˈɪntuː] | enter a place by force |
Other meanings
- suddenly begin doing something (a smile, song, run)
- successfully start a career or activity (e.g., journalism, tech)
- start using saved money or resources
- achieve a position on a list or ranking
Example Sentences Using the Phrasal Verb "break into"
- Thieves broke into our car last night.
- She broke into a smile when she saw the gift.
- He's trying to break into film directing.
- We had to break into our savings to cover the repairs.
- The rookie team broke into the top ten this season.
Features of Using "break into"
Inseparable: the object follows “into” (break into a house/a car/a smile/a market).
Don’t confuse with “break something into (pieces/parts)”, which is a different structure (a direct object before “into”).
Other phrasal verbs with the verb break
break down
stop functioning
break up
end a romantic relationship
break in
to enter a building illegally
break apart
to fall into separate pieces
break away
to escape or leave suddenly
break out
to start suddenly (fire, war, disease)
break through
force a way past a barrier or obstacle
🔗 Learn more about the irregular verb break, including its forms and usage.