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break into — 2 meanings

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

phrasal verb2 meanings
break into
enter illegallystart suddenly

Meaning 1 · most common

enter illegally

  • break into sth

to enter a building, car, or other place by force, usually to steal something

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Someone tried to break into my car last night, but the alarm scared them away.

A: Did you hear about the break-in at the bakery?
B: Yeah, someone broke into the shop and took all the cash.

Common mistake

Not: They broke into to the warehouse.

Say: They broke into the warehouse.

'Break into' already includes the direction — no extra 'to'.

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

Another example

If I saw someone trying to break into a house, I would immediately call the police because it’s a serious crime.

Tell it apart

Someone broke into the car.

  • forced their way in to steal

She broke into a run.

  • suddenly started running — different sense

Goes with

  • break into + place
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Next meaning: start suddenly

Meaning 2

start suddenly

  • break into sth sth

to suddenly begin doing something, especially an activity or emotion

How oftenNow and then
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

When he heard the joke, he broke into laughter.

A: Why is everyone looking at us?
B: We just broke into song in the middle of the street!

Common mistake

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'.

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

Another example

Sometimes, when I’m nervous, I break into a sweat even if the room isn’t hot.

Tell it apart

She broke into a run.

  • suddenly started running

She broke into the building.

  • forced her way in

Goes with

  • break into + sudden action
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enter illegallystart suddenly