break into groups

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break into groups" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing a group to divide themselves into smaller teams for discussion or activities. Example: "For this exercise, please break into groups of four to discuss your ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Some students yawn or stare into space when they break into groups.

The New York Times

The meeting room included modular couches and armchairs as well as classroom-style tables, allowing participants to break into groups.

The New York Times

They have a 45-minute "read-aloud," when the teacher reads them part or all of a book, then they break into groups to discuss it.

The New York Times

After hearing the pitches, voters break into groups by ward, where they continue debating or simply start with a show of hands.

The New York Times

"In middle level, there aren't so many white kids, and whenever you break into groups, people stick with their own race".

The New York Times

The first step was for students to break into groups to discuss and choose which proposition they wanted to work on.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Then employees broke into groups to discuss new techniques to improve the taste and texture of drinks.

The New York Times

Leaders broke into groups that mixed rich and poor, North and South, East and West, to thrash out ideas.

The New York Times

At a third, they broke into groups of four to discuss how they would respond to a hypothetical situation.

The New York Times

Snacking on doughnut holes, coffee and cider, those at the caucus broke into groups to support candidates.

The New York Times

The class broke into groups and began cutting forty-five-degree notches into the dummy trees, which began to look like drunken totem poles.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing people to "break into groups", clearly specify the desired group size to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "break into groups" without context. Be explicit about the purpose of the grouping, such as "break into groups to discuss" or "break into groups for the activity."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break into groups" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used in imperative sentences. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is commonly used to instruct a group of people to divide themselves into smaller units for a specific purpose.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

32%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Science

4%

News & Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "break into groups" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to instruct individuals to divide into smaller teams for specific activities. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts, from news articles and scientific research to collaborative projects and general instructions. While alternatives like "divide into groups" or "split into teams" exist, "break into groups" maintains a balance of clarity and neutrality, making it suitable for various communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divide into groups

This alternative is a more straightforward and neutral way of expressing the same action.

split into groups

This alternative emphasizes the separation aspect of the action.

form subgroups

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the creation of smaller groups within a larger one.

separate into teams

This alternative is suitable when the groups are intended to function as teams.

arrange into smaller groups

This alternative adds emphasis on the action of arranging.

cluster into smaller units

This alternative is less common but highlights the formation of clusters.

disaggregate into sections

This alternative is highly formal and suitable for technical contexts.

compartmentalize into segments

This alternative is very formal and suggests a structured division.

branch off into smaller units

This alternative evokes the imagery of branching, implying divergence.

subdivide into sections

This alternative suggests a more structured and planned division.

FAQs

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

You can use "break into groups" to instruct people to divide themselves into smaller teams, for example, "For the next activity, please "break into groups" of four".

What can I say instead of "break into groups"?

You can use alternatives such as "divide into groups", "split into teams", or "form subgroups" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "break into groups" or "break up into groups"?

Both phrases are acceptable. "Break into groups" is generally more concise, while "break up into groups" emphasizes the separation aspect.

What's the difference between "break into groups" and "form groups"?

"Break into groups" implies dividing an existing larger group, while "form groups" suggests creating new groups from individuals or smaller units.