What Does “Break through sth” Mean?
“Break through sth” means to successfully get past an obstacle or barrier, either physical or metaphorical. It often refers to overcoming difficulties or making progress where it was previously blocked.
Introduction
The phrase “break through sth” is a common phrasal verb in English that describes the action of overcoming a challenge or barrier. The “sth” stands for “something,” which can be a physical object like a wall or a figurative obstacle such as a problem or difficulty. Understanding the “break through sth” meaning helps learners use it naturally in everyday conversations. This phrase is widely used not only in casual speech but also in business, science, and personal growth contexts. Knowing how to use “break through sth” correctly will make your English sound more fluent and expressive.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: break through something
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to overcome a barrier or difficulty
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Break through” is a separable phrasal verb when followed by a noun (something). You can place the object between “break” and “through” or after the whole phrase.
- break something through
- break through something
Both forms are correct, but “break through something” is more common.
How to Use “Break through sth”?
Use “break through sth” when talking about overcoming physical or metaphorical barriers. It fits well in contexts like solving a big problem, making progress in research, or overcoming emotional struggles. Pair it with words like “barrier,” “wall,” “difficulty,” or “challenge.”
Examples
- Scientists finally broke through the barrier of limited technology.
- She managed to break through her fear of public speaking.
- The team broke through the tough defense to score the winning goal.
- His invention helped break through the problem of slow internet speeds.
- Break through the noise and make your voice heard.
These examples show “break through sth in a sentence” used naturally.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: He breaked through the wall. Correct: He broke through the wall.
- Incorrect: She breaks throughs the problem. Correct: She breaks through the problem.
- Incorrect: They break through it quick. Correct: They break through it quickly.
Differences / Synonyms
Break through sth vs. Get through sth: Both mean overcoming something difficult, but “break through” suggests force or effort to overcome a barrier, while “get through” means managing or enduring a situation.
Break through sth vs. Push through sth: “Push through” emphasizes persistence despite difficulty, while “break through” implies breaking a barrier or obstacle.
Break through sth vs. Overcome sth: “Overcome” is more general and can apply to any difficulty; “break through” often implies breaking a specific barrier or blockage.
Common Collocations
- break through a barrier
- break through a wall
- break through difficulties
- break through resistance
- break through the noise
- break through challenges
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of break through sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: I’m struggling with this project. It feels like hitting a wall.
Ben: Don’t give up! Sometimes you just need to break through the problem step by step.
Anna: You’re right. I’ll find a new approach and try to break through the difficulties.
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct form of “break through”:
- After months of research, the scientists finally ________ the barrier of outdated technology.
- It’s hard to ________ fear when speaking in public.
- The team hopes to ________ the tough defense in the next game.
FAQs
- Q: Can “break through sth” be used for emotions? A: Yes, it can describe overcoming emotional barriers like fear or sadness.
- Q: Is “break through” separable? A: Yes, you can place the object between “break” and “through” or after the phrase.
- Q: What is the difference between “break through” and “get through”? A: “Break through” implies forcefully overcoming a barrier, while “get through” means managing or enduring.
- Q: Can “break through” be used in business? A: Yes, it’s often used to describe overcoming challenges or making important progress.
- Q: What level of English is “break through sth”? A: It is generally considered B2 (Upper-Intermediate) level.
