breɪk ˈɪntuː
neutral
intermediate
- Base verb:
- break
- Particle:
- into
- Separable:
- No
What does "break into" mean?
- To enter a building illegally by force
- To suddenly start doing something (laughing, running, singing)
- To successfully enter a new field or market
- To interrupt something
Examples
- Their house was broken into last week.
- She broke into laughter when she heard the joke.
- It's hard to break into the film industry.
- He broke into a run when he saw the bus coming.
- I hate to break into your conversation, but the meeting is starting.
How to use it
'Break into' a market/industry means to successfully enter a competitive field. 'Break into' + activity (laughter, tears, song) describes sudden spontaneous actions.
Similar expressions
burgle
enter
start
interrupt
penetrate
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 in
To enter a building illegally, usually 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 into" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.