break in on

USAGE SUMMARY

"break in on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to interrupt or intrude on someone or something. Example: The teacher was in the middle of her lesson when a loud noise broke in on their conversation, causing everyone to turn and look towards the door.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Would it be easier to break in on a lesser team, Zetterberg was asked.

The New York Times - Sports

In the silence of an October evening, the singing of King's celebrated choir will break in on donnish concentration.

The Guardian - Books

In the morning, though, the march was supposed to be silent, so as not to break in on religious thoughts.

The Guardian

He picks it up to hear the clamorous, intrusive voice of a female suitor, attempting to break in on his grief.

The New York Times - Books

In 1958 there were trendy duffel coats, pipes, beards, skiffle and jazz, although the march was silent all morning, "so as not to break in on religious thoughts".

Independent

He stopped at a sporting-goods store to purchase a blue windbreaker to go with the toothpick, and a cap whose bill he worked hard to break in on the drive to Kate's.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Barcelona keeps getting chances from players breaking in on the left, but Cech comes out and blocks another.

The New York Times

The Devils pressed their newfound advantage and broke in on goal on an odd-man rush three and a half minutes later.

The New York Times - Sports

But he left the puck for Derek Stepan, who passed across the ice, through the legs of defenseman Sergei Gonchar, to Staal, who was breaking in on goal.

The New York Times

They seem to come marching home in legions over the white, silent sea, breaking in on us with a roar and a white iciness.

The Guardian

He took a pass from Jason Marshall, broke in on Red Wing goaltender Manny Legace, made a move and put the puck into the net.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "break in on" when you specifically want to emphasize the act of interrupting something already in progress, adding a sense of intrusion or unwanted intervention. For example, "The news report broke in on the regularly scheduled program".

Common error

Avoid using "break in on" in highly formal contexts where a more polite or neutral alternative like "interrupt" or "excuse me for interrupting" might be more appropriate. "Break in on" can sometimes imply a lack of respect for the ongoing activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "break in on" primarily functions as a disruptive interrupter, indicating an intrusion into an existing activity or state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Examples show it affecting conversations, broadcasts, or even one's thoughts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

6.666666666666667%

Less common in

Science

6.666666666666667%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break in on" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe an interruption, often with a sense of intrusion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its frequency of usage is common, particularly in News & Media and academic contexts. While generally neutral, it's best to avoid it in highly formal settings. Common alternatives include "interrupt" and "intrude on". Remembering these nuances will improve the precision of your writing and prevent unintended implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interrupt

Focuses solely on the act of interrupting a conversation or activity, omitting the sense of intrusion.

intrude on

Emphasizes the act of entering without permission or welcome, lacking the interruption aspect.

cut in

Implies a sudden and often unwelcome interruption, typically in conversations or queues.

butt in

Conveys an impolite or rude interruption, often without invitation.

interject

Indicates a brief and often abrupt insertion into a discussion.

horn in

This emphasizes unwelcome meddling or intrusion.

chime in

Suggests a more casual and often welcome addition to a conversation, contrasting with the disruptive nature.

encroach on

Highlights a gradual intrusion or infringement upon someone's space or rights.

interfere with

This phrase highlights obstruction or prevention more than interruption.

break into

Focuses on forcibly entering a place, distinct from interrupting an activity or conversation.

FAQs

How can I use "break in on" in a sentence?

You can use "break in on" to describe an interruption of an event or conversation. For example, "The emergency broadcast "broke in on" the program."

What does "break in on" mean?

The phrase "break in on" means to interrupt something, often with a sense of intrusion or disruption.

What are some alternatives to "break in on"?

Alternatives to "break in on" include "interrupt", "intrude on", or "cut in". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "break in on" formal or informal?

"Break in on" is generally considered neutral, leaning towards informal. In highly formal settings, it may be better to use a more polite alternative like "interrupt".