break into homes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break into homes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of unlawfully entering someone's residence, typically with the intent to commit a crime. Example: "The police are increasing patrols in the neighborhood due to a recent spike in incidents where burglars break into homes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"The same crooks who break into homes break into museums.

The New York Times - Arts

Often masked assailants break into homes and kill people who have been tagged as drug traffickers or drug users.

The Guardian

Another time, he'd shown her how easy it was to break into homes, summoning a locksmith and waltzing right into the neighbors' house.

The New Yorker

According to your article, the N.R.A. claims that such safety steps would make self-defense more difficult when intruders break into homes.

The New York Times

He preferred to break into homes while people were present, said Robert Farr, the chairman of the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

The New York Times

This year, the number of incidents where bears tried, and sometimes succeeded, to break into homes to scavenge food has nearly doubled to 55.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

That was the year Mr. Komisarjevsky started breaking into homes.

The New York Times

In 1926, a man named Paul Hilton roamed Queens, breaking into homes to steal radios.

The New York Times

Prescription drug abusers can, and are, breaking into homes in search of them.

The New York Times

She describes the religious police breaking into homes and smashing hi-fis.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Ivany said that some bears in New Jersey had broken into homes and raided refrigerators.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about home security, use "break into homes" to clearly convey the risk of unlawful entry for criminal purposes. It's a direct and easily understood phrase.

Common error

Be specific about who is "breaking into homes". Ensure the context clarifies whether you're discussing burglars, animals, or, in rare cases, authorized personnel acting under specific legal conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break into homes" functions as a verb phrase, describing an action. It signifies the unlawful and forceful entry into a private residence, often with the intent to commit a crime. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely recognized.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break into homes" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of illegally entering a residence, often with criminal intent. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news reports and general discussions about crime and security. While more formal alternatives exist, "break into homes" provides a clear and direct way to communicate the risk of unlawful entry. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies who is performing the action to avoid ambiguity. As evidenced by the numerous examples, reliable sources frequently employ this phrase to convey information about burglaries, home invasions, and related security concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enter homes illegally

Directly states the unlawful nature of the entry.

illegally enter homes

Reorders the phrase to emphasize the illegality.

burglarize residences

Formal alternative emphasizing the crime of burglary.

unlawfully enter dwellings

A more formal and legalistic phrasing.

invade dwellings

Highlights the forceful and unwelcome nature of the entry.

force entry into houses

Focuses on the forceful method of entering.

raid houses

Suggests a more aggressive and potentially violent entry.

trespass on residences

Highlights the act of unlawful entry onto private property.

storm residences

Implies a rapid and forceful entry, often with a specific goal.

infiltrate homes

Suggests a more subtle or secretive method of entry.

FAQs

What's a simple definition of "break into homes"?

It means to illegally enter a residence, typically with the intent to commit a crime like theft.

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

Alternatives include "burglarize residences", "enter homes illegally", or "invade dwellings", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "break into homes" formal or informal language?

It's generally considered neutral, suitable for news reports and general discussions. More formal alternatives like "unlawfully enter dwellings" may be preferred in legal contexts.

How does the phrase "break into homes" differ from "home invasion"?

"Break into homes" describes the act of illegal entry, whereas "home invasion" typically implies that the residents are present and face a direct threat.