Meaning trap
break out
start suddenly
To begin quickly and unexpectedly, especially something bad like a fire, war, or disease.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To begin quickly and unexpectedly, especially something bad like a fire, war, or disease.
Another meaning of 'break out' is 'escape'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
A fire broke out in the kitchen while we were having dinner.
If a disease breaks out in a city, the government needs to act quickly to control it.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: A fire broke out of the kitchen.
Say: A fire broke out in the kitchen.
'Break out' = suddenly start (use 'in'); 'break out OF' means escape.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Break out' is the standard verb for fires, wars and disease starting suddenly; the paraphrase is wordy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
break out (fire/war/disease)
- a fire
- war
- fighting
- a riot
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- break out (escape) — Another meaning of 'break out' is 'escape'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.