breɪk ɪn
neutral
intermediate
- Base verb:
- break
- Particle:
- in
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "break in" mean?
- To enter a building illegally, usually by force
- To interrupt someone who is speaking
- To make new shoes or equipment comfortable through use
- To train someone new for a job
Examples
- Someone broke in while we were on vacation.
- 'Sorry to break in,' she said, 'but there's an urgent call for you.'
- These new boots are stiff; I need to break them in.
- I spent the first week breaking in the new employee.
- Thieves broke in through the back window.
How to use it
'Break-in' (noun) refers to a burglary. 'Breaking in' new shoes means wearing them until they become comfortable. Can also mean training a new employee.
Word order
For illegal entry/interrupting: not separable. For shoes/training: separable ('break the shoes in' or 'break in the shoes').
Similar expressions
burgle
interrupt
train
wear in
Opposites
leave
exit
Related phrasal verbs
- break up
To end a romantic relationship
- break down
To stop working or functioning (machines, vehicles)
- break out
To start suddenly (war, fire, disease, fighting)
- break into
To enter a building illegally by force
- break through
To force a way through a barrier or obstacle
- break off
To separate a piece from something by breaking
Use it in a practice answer
Try "break in" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.