Meaning trap
break in
interrupt
to interrupt someone while they are speaking or doing something.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to interrupt someone while they are speaking or doing something.
Another meaning of 'break in' is 'enter illegally'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Sorry to break in, but I have something important to add.
In group discussions, it’s important not to break in when someone else is speaking, as it can seem rude.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Sorry to break in your conversation.
Say: Sorry to break in on your conversation.
'Break IN ON' a conversation; without 'on' it sounds like the burglary sense.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Break in' is the natural verb for cutting into someone's speech; 'interject' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
break in (on)
- on
- suddenly
- to say
- with a question
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- break in (enter illegally) — Another meaning of 'break in' is 'enter illegally'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.