break into

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break into" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of entering a place or situation forcefully or without permission, often associated with burglary or unauthorized access. Example: "The thieves managed to break into the house while the owners were away on vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

As is Break Into My Apartment.

The New York Times

Why break into a museum?

The New Yorker

I break into tears.

The New York Times

Break into large pieces.

The New York Times - Food

Hard to break into a duopoly market.

The New York Times

It will break into three parts.

The Economist

He threatened to break into the house.

The New Yorker

How did you break into the industry?

The New York Times

Snatches of poetry break into the silence.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Archives|FILM REVIEW Break Into Alcatraz?

The New York Times

Why Not? FILM REVIEW Break Into Alcatraz?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing illegal entry, use "break into" to clearly convey the act of forced entry, emphasizing the criminal nature of the action. For example: "The burglar broke into the house while the family was away."

Common error

Avoid using "break into" when a simpler verb like "enter" or "go into" would suffice if there's no element of force or illegality. Using "break into" in an inappropriate context can create a false impression of criminal activity or forceful action.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "break into" functions primarily as a verb expressing action. It describes the act of entering a place illegally or by force, starting something suddenly, or successfully entering a profession, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "break into" is a versatile term with multiple meanings, ranging from illegal entry and sudden commencement to successful infiltration. As highlighted by Ludwig, its usage is considered grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, especially in news, media, and general conversation. While it's important to ensure proper usage of "break into", choosing alternatives may be necessary for nuance. Use "break into" carefully to avoid misunderstandings, and its neutral register makes it suitable for many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burglarize

Implies illegal entry with the intent to commit a crime; focuses specifically on the act of burglary.

enter forcibly

Emphasizes the act of entering against resistance or without permission.

force entry

Highlights the use of force to gain access, irrespective of the intent behind the entry.

successfully enter

Indicates the successful beginning of a career or activity.

infiltrate

Suggests a subtle or secretive entry, often into an organization or system, sometimes without force.

gain access

Highlights the act of obtaining entry or the right to enter.

burst into

Indicates a sudden and forceful entry, often with a sense of urgency or drama.

commence abruptly

Focuses on the sudden start of an action or event, similar to "break into" when used in that context.

get into

A more general term indicating entry, which can be literal or figurative (e.g., getting into a profession).

make inroads

Suggests initial progress or entry into a market or field, often implying difficulty.

FAQs

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

The phrase "break into" has multiple meanings. It can describe illegally entering a building (e.g., "Someone "broke into" the store last night"), suddenly starting something (e.g., "She "broke into" a smile"), or successfully entering a field (e.g., "He wants to "break into" the film industry").

What are some alternatives to "break into" when referring to illegal entry?

If you mean entering a place illegally, you could use terms like "burglarize", "invade", or "trespass". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "break into" differ from simply "enter"?

"Enter" is a general term for going into a place. "Break into" implies forceful or illegal entry. For instance, you might "enter" your office building during work hours, but someone might ""break into"" it at night to steal something.

Is it correct to use "break into" when talking about starting a new activity?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable. For example, "The horse "broke into" a gallop." In this context, it means to suddenly begin the activity. It can also mean to suddenly express a feeling, such as ""break into" tears".