hack into

USAGE SUMMARY

"hack into" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to unauthorized access to a computer system or network. Example: "He managed to hack into the secure database." Alternative expressions include "gain access to" and "breach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They did hack into this campaign".

The New Yorker

We were even able to hack into the police's systems.

Independent

"If they're going to hack into something," Dr. Pearl said, "they'll hack into your bank account before they hack into your medical record".

The New York Times

The Chinese couldn't hack into the North American power grid.

The Guardian - Opinion

We know people will try to hack into these systems".

The Guardian - Tech

And have you ever tried to hack into my typewriter?

The New York Times

Working with someone to hack into voicemail archives feels serious.

The Guardian

Suspicious spouses hack into each other's e-mail accounts.

The New York Times

It isn't about Guardian developers trying to hack into anything.

The Guardian

And they hack into our computers — corporate computers and government computers — and steal as well".

The New York Times

He already had access to the library network; no need to hack into the system.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "hack into". While widely understood, more formal contexts may benefit from alternatives like "gain unauthorized access to".

Common error

While "hack into" is common, avoid using it repeatedly in formal documents. Vary your language with synonyms like "breach", "compromise", or "infiltrate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hack into" is that of a phrasal verb, acting as a verb phrase within a sentence. It requires both parts to convey its meaning, referring to unauthorized access. The Ludwig AI confirms this as a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hack into" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe unauthorized access to computer systems or accounts. As Ludwig confirms, it's widely used in news, science, and general contexts. While acceptable, it might benefit from more formal alternatives like "gain unauthorized access to" in professional settings. The phrase's prevalence in news reporting reflects its importance in discussing cybersecurity events. While it's generally understandable, always specify what is being "hacked into" for clarity. Steer clear of overusing "hack into" and diversify your vocabulary with synonyms to prevent repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break into a system

This alternative is similar to the original, but uses "break into" instead of "hack into".

gain unauthorized access to

This alternative replaces "hack" with a more formal and explicit description of the action.

breach the security of

This phrase focuses on the act of violating security measures.

infiltrate a system

This option evokes a sense of stealth and covert entry.

crack a system

This term suggests a forceful and skillful breaking of security.

compromise a network

This phrase highlights the negative impact of the unauthorized access.

illegally access

This term emphasizes the unlawful nature of the action.

penetrate the defenses of

This option suggests overcoming obstacles to gain access.

exploit a vulnerability in

This phrase emphasizes the technical aspect of taking advantage of a weakness.

bypass security protocols

This option focuses on circumventing established security measures.

FAQs

What does "hack into" mean?

"Hack into" refers to gaining unauthorized access to a computer system, network, or account, often with the intent to steal information or cause damage.

Is it illegal to "hack into" someone's account?

Yes, it is illegal to "hack into" someone's account without their permission. This is typically covered under computer misuse laws and can result in criminal charges.

What are some alternatives to "hack into"?

You can use alternatives like "gain unauthorized access to", "breach the security of", or "infiltrate a system" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "hack into" and "break into" a system?

While both suggest unauthorized access, "hack into" often implies using technical skills to bypass security measures, whereas "break into" can refer to a more general or physical intrusion.