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break in — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
break in
enter illegallyinterrupt

Meaning 1 · most common

enter illegally

  • break in to sth
A scene showing “break in” meaning “enter a building by force”.

to enter a building or place by force, usually to steal something or without permission.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Someone tried to break in while we were on holiday, but the alarm scared them away.

A: Why are the police outside your house?
B: Someone broke in last night, but luckily nothing was taken.

Common mistake

Not: Thieves broke in the house last night.

Say: Thieves broke into the house last night. / Thieves broke in last night.

With a place named, use 'break INTO the house'; bare 'break in' (no object) is also fine.

More on “enter illegally”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I ever saw someone trying to break in to a neighbor’s house, I would call the police immediately.

Tell it apart

Burglars broke in through the back.

  • entered by force

The prisoners broke out of the cell.

  • escaped by force

Goes with

  • break in / break into
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Next meaning: interrupt

Meaning 2

interrupt

  • break in on sb/sth
In a meeting, a woman raises her hand and starts speaking while a colleague is still talking.

to interrupt someone while they are speaking or doing something.

How oftenNow and then
LevelB2
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Sorry to break in, but I have something important to add.

A: I was explaining my idea when he broke in and started talking about something else.
B: That must have been annoying.

Common mistake

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.

More on “interrupt”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In group discussions, it’s important not to break in when someone else is speaking, as it can seem rude.

Tell it apart

She broke in on our chat to ask something.

  • interrupted

They broke into our flat.

  • entered illegally

Goes with

  • break in (on)
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enter illegallyinterrupt