Meaning trap
break into
start suddenly
to suddenly begin doing something, especially an activity or emotion
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to suddenly begin doing something, especially an activity or emotion
Another meaning of 'break into' is 'enter illegally'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
When he heard the joke, he broke into laughter.
Sometimes, when I’m nervous, I break into a sweat even if the room isn’t hot.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He broke into to laugh.
Say: He broke into laughter. / He burst out laughing.
'Break into + noun' (tears, laughter, a run) — not 'into to + verb'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Break into tears/a run/a smile' is the natural way to say 'suddenly start'; the paraphrase is flat.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
break into + sudden action
- tears
- a run
- a smile
- song
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- break into (enter illegally) — Another meaning of 'break into' is 'enter illegally'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.