break the door

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break the door" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is attempting to forcefully open a door or when discussing an action that results in damage to a door. Example: "In an emergency, we had no choice but to break the door to get inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Firefighters helped him break the door down.

The New York Times

You could tell" "First they break the door.

Independent

Open, or we will break the door," a voice called.

The New Yorker

They had to come down and basically break the door down.

The New Yorker

Even then, they had to break the door down, which took more time.

The New York Times

"If Shannon screamed for help tonight they would break the door down.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The Iraqi side offered to break the doors open, while videotaping the event.

The New York Times

Or until they break the doors down themselves, and resume their vile orgy of slavishness.

The Guardian - Opinion

They came into our building and began to break down the door with their guns and with a hammer – it took 30 minutes for them to break the doors down.

Independent

Some were trying to break the doors whereas some were trying to take off the roof.

BMC Public Health

They broke the door down.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an action of forceful entry, consider the context. Use "break the door" when the emphasis is on overcoming an obstacle or entering quickly, rather than detailing the method or extent of damage.

Common error

Avoid using "break the door" in formal writing where a more neutral term like "force open the door" or "enter forcefully" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break the door" functions primarily as a verb phrase describing a forceful action upon an object. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break the door" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe forcefully opening a door, often resulting in damage. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its use is most prevalent in news and media contexts, where it serves to convey a sense of urgency or action. While direct and easily understood, consider the context to determine if a more formal alternative, such as "force the door open", might be more appropriate. Remember that while "break the door" is suitable for describing an immediate and decisive action, overuse in professional settings might diminish the overall tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

force the door open

Focuses on the action of opening the door forcefully, emphasizing the result rather than the damage.

smash the door

Highlights the violent and destructive nature of opening the door.

kick the door down

Specifies the method of force used to open the door.

ram down the door

Emphasizes the use of a tool or object to break the door.

burst the door open

Implies a sudden and forceful opening of the door.

breach the door

Often used in a security or military context, suggesting a controlled entry.

demolish the door

Stresses the complete destruction of the door.

splinter the door

Focuses on the effect on the door, which is to break into splinters.

destroy the door

Highlights the action that causes irreparable damage to the door.

damage the door

More general term that implies that some harm was inflicted on the door.

FAQs

What does "break the door" mean?

The phrase "break the door" means to forcefully open a door, often causing damage in the process. It implies overcoming an obstacle or entering quickly.

What can I say instead of "break the door"?

You can use alternatives like "force the door open", "smash the door", or "kick the door down" depending on the context.

Is it always literal when someone says "break the door"?

Usually, "break the door" is used literally to describe physically forcing a door open. However, it can be used figuratively to describe overcoming barriers.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "break the door"?

The phrase "break the door" is appropriate when describing a situation where forceful entry is required, often in emergencies or when overcoming resistance.