Phrasal verbs with break

Phrasal verbs with break are very common in English and carry both literal and figurative meanings. The verb break itself means “to separate into pieces” or “to interrupt,” but when combined with particles (down, up, out, off, into, through), it forms a wide range of useful expressions.

Examples:

• break down = to stop working (machine) or to lose emotional control,
• break up = to end a relationship or meeting,
• break out = to escape or suddenly begin,
• break off = to end abruptly,
• break into = to enter by force,
• break through = to overcome a barrier.

The best way to remember phrasal verbs with break is to look at the particle. Down often means failure or collapse, up ending or separation, out sudden start, into forced entry, through overcoming.

Learning these expressions will help you understand natural English in films, books, and conversations.