break into
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle into
Meanings
Enter a building or vehicle illegally by force
Why “into”? A person or thing crosses a boundary and enters a place or space.
“Someone broke into our house last night.”
“A thief broke into my car and stole the radio.”
Suddenly begin an action or strong expression
Why “into”? A person crosses quickly from being still into a new action or expression.
“The children broke into song on the bus.”
“She broke into a run when it started raining.”
Don't confuse with
Break into means a person suddenly begins an action. Break out means an event such as a fire or war starts suddenly.
Test yourself
“Someone broke into our house last night.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
break out
A contrast learners often mix up
(of war, fire or disease) Start suddenly; Escape from a locked or guarded place
come into
Same into pattern: entry
Enter the place where someone is
get into
Same into pattern: entry
Enter a vehicle or small enclosed space; Become interested in or start enjoying an activity or subject; Begin to have a serious problem
go into
Same into pattern: entry
Enter a place or enclosed space; Discuss or explain something in detail; Choose a particular type of work or career
let into
Same into pattern: entry
Allow someone or something to enter a place
move into
Same into pattern: entry
Start living or working in a new place
walk into
Same into pattern: entry
Enter a place by walking; Hit something accidentally while walking
break away
Same base verb: break
Escape from someone holding you; Leave a group to form a separate one; Pull ahead of others in a race
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