What Does “Break into sth” Mean?
“Break into sth” is a phrasal verb that means to suddenly start doing something, often with effort or difficulty. It can also mean to enter a place by force.
Introduction
The phrase break into sth has multiple meanings depending on the context. Most commonly, it means to start doing an activity suddenly, such as breaking into laughter or breaking into song. Another frequent use refers to entering a building or car illegally, often known as breaking into a place. Understanding the break into sth meaning helps learners use it correctly in everyday conversations or writing. This phrasal verb is versatile and appears in casual speech, news reports, and literature, making it important for English learners to grasp its uses and nuances.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: break into something
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to start doing something suddenly or to enter by force
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Break into sth” is a transitive phrasal verb, which means it requires an object after it. It is generally inseparable, so you cannot place the object between “break” and “into.”
Correct pattern: break into + noun (activity or place)
- She broke into laughter.
- The thieves broke into the house.
Incorrect pattern: break + object + into
- *She broke laughter into. (Incorrect)
How to Use “Break into sth”?
You can use “break into sth” in two main ways:
- Starting an action suddenly: Use it when someone suddenly begins an activity, often an emotion or sound. For example, “break into tears” means to start crying suddenly.
- Entering by force: Use it when someone enters a place illegally or without permission, such as “break into a house.”
Remember to follow “break into” with the appropriate noun, like a place or an activity.
Examples
- She broke into a smile when she saw the gift.
- The burglars broke into the bank last night.
- During the meeting, he suddenly broke into laughter.
- They want to break into the fashion industry.
- He broke into song after hearing the good news.
Here are more examples of break into sth in a sentence to help you understand its use.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: She broke laughter into when she heard the joke.
- Correct: She broke into laughter when she heard the joke.
- Incorrect: They broke the house into last night.
- Correct: They broke into the house last night.
Always remember the correct order: “break into” + noun.
Differences / Synonyms
Break into sth vs. Break in
“Break in” can also mean to enter forcibly, but it is often used without an object (e.g., “The thief broke in last night”). “Break into” requires an object (e.g., “break into a car”).
Break into sth vs. Burst into sth
“Burst into” is similar when referring to sudden emotions or actions, like “burst into tears.” However, “burst into” often sounds more intense or sudden than “break into.”
Common Collocations
- Break into laughter
- Break into tears
- Break into song
- Break into a house/car/building
- Break into a market/industry
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of break into sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Did you hear about the robbery last night?
Tom: Yes, the thieves broke into the jewelry store.
Anna: That’s terrible! I can’t believe someone would break into a place like that.
Tom: Yeah, and during the police interview, the owner broke into tears.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
- A) She broke laughter into after hearing the joke.
- B) She broke into laughter after hearing the joke.
- C) She broke the joke into laughter.
Answer: B
FAQs
- Q: Can “break into” be used for positive actions?
Yes, it can mean starting positive actions like breaking into song or laughter. - Q: Is “break into” always about illegal entry?
No, it also means suddenly starting an activity or emotion. - Q: Can I say “break into the market”?
Yes, it means to start working or competing in a new industry. - Q: Is “break into” separable?
No, the object always comes after “break into.” - Q: What is the difference between “break into” and “burst into”?
“Burst into” usually implies a more intense or sudden action compared to “break into.”
