BREAK INTO

“When determination is the lock, passion is the key to break into your deepest potential and manifest your dreams.”

📖 Definition

To enter a place forcibly, usually involving building or property; or to start a new endeavor or role with enthusiasm.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
Cannot insert words between 'break' and 'into'.
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Neutral
Suitable for both casual and formal conversations.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object to receive the action.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple break into They break into the house with ease.
Past Simple broke into He broke into the industry quickly.
Present Continuous breaking into She is breaking into new markets.
Present Perfect have broken into We have broken into the competitive field successfully.

💡 When to Use

Forced entry
Use when someone or something enters a location by force, typically to commit an illegal act.
Example: “Thieves tried to break into the warehouse last night.”
Starting a new venture
Use when someone is beginning to participate actively in a new field or enterprise.
Example: “She plans to break into the tech industry.”
Emphatic beginning
Use when describing someone initiating something new or different with lively enthusiasm.
Example: “He broke into song during the meeting.”

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect verb tense
❌ Wrong: They break into the car last night.
✅ Correct: They broke into the car last night.
💡 Tip: Remember verb agreement with past actions.
Incorrect object used
❌ Wrong: They break into the good job.
✅ Correct: They break into the job market.
💡 Tip: Choose the correct object that complements the verb.
Redundant words
❌ Wrong: They break into inside the house.
✅ Correct: They break into the house.
💡 Tip: Avoid redundant phrases that don't add new information.
Practice

BREAK INTO – IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

enter intrude

Antonyms

exit

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

“Burglars usually ___ homes at night.”

break over
break into
break off
break from

Frequently Asked Questions about Break Into

What is the origin of break into?

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The phrase 'break into' has its roots in Old English, where 'break' meant to pierce or shatter and 'into' indicated entering or inclusion, suggesting forcible entry.

Can break into be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'break into' is a neutral phrase applicable in both formal settings, like legal contexts, and informal conversations, such as discussing career changes.

What is the difference between break into and enter?

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'Break into' implies force or suddenness, often illegal, while 'enter' is neutral, indicating a mere act of going into a place or field.
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey
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