Meaning trap
break in
enter illegally
to enter a building or place by force, usually to steal something or without permission.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to enter a building or place by force, usually to steal something or without permission.
Another meaning of 'break in' is 'interrupt'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Someone tried to break in while we were on holiday, but the alarm scared them away.
If I ever saw someone trying to break in to a neighbor’s house, I would call the police immediately.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
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.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Break in' is the everyday verb for a burglary entry; the formal paraphrase is police-report English.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
break in / break into
- the house
- overnight
- through a window
- and steal
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- break in (interrupt) — Another meaning of 'break in' is 'interrupt'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.