The verb BREAK forms some of the most expressive phrasal verbs in English โ from breaking up relationships to breaking through barriers. This family covers endings, escapes, new beginnings, and interruptions. Master these phrasal verbs and you'll be ready to describe ruptures, breakthroughs, and separations like a native speaker.
Meaning: To end a relationship, to separate into pieces, to disband
"They decided to break up after three years together."
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"The ice on the lake is starting to break up in spring."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Very common for relationships ending and physical separation.
Meaning: To stop suddenly, to separate by breaking, to end abruptly
"She broke off in the middle of her sentence."
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"A large branch broke off the tree during the storm."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Can mean sudden stopping or physical separation.
Meaning: To stop working, to collapse emotionally, to analyze
"My car broke down on the highway yesterday."
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"Let's break down the problem into smaller parts."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Multiple meanings: mechanical failure, emotional collapse, or analysis.
Meaning: To separate into pieces, to destroy unity
"The old building is breaking apart after years of neglect."
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"The family broke apart after the father's death."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Used for physical disintegration or emotional separation.
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You've mastered the BREAK family! Discover other phrasal verb families and practice with interactive exercises.
Meaning: To enter illegally, to interrupt, to train someone new
"Someone broke in while we were on vacation."
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"We need to break in the new employee gradually."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Can mean burglary, interruption, or training new people.
Meaning: To enter forcefully, to start suddenly, to succeed in entering a field
"She broke into tears when she heard the news."
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"It's difficult to break into the film industry."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Versatile: sudden start, forced entry, or career beginnings.
Meaning: To escape, to start suddenly, to develop skin problems
"Three prisoners broke out of the jail last night."
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"War broke out between the two countries."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Used for escapes, sudden events, or skin conditions.
Meaning: To escape from restraint, to become independent
"The horse broke free from its rope and ran away."
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"She wants to break free from her family's expectations."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Powerful expression for liberation from physical or mental constraints.
๐ฏ Ready to test your knowledge? Try the exercises!
You've mastered the BREAK family! Discover other phrasal verb families and practice with interactive exercises.
Meaning: To overcome barriers, to make important progress
"Scientists broke through in cancer research this year."
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"The sun broke through the clouds after the storm."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Essential for achievements, discoveries, and overcoming obstacles.
Meaning: To force something open by breaking
"The firefighters had to break open the door to rescue the family."
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"She broke open the package with scissors."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Used when force is needed to open something.
Meaning: To do something innovative or pioneering
"Her research is breaking new ground in artificial intelligence."
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"The company broke new ground with their eco-friendly products."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Perfect for describing innovation and pioneering work.
Meaning: To escape from control, to separate from a group
"The region wants to break away from the main country."
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"She broke away from the crowd and walked home alone."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Often used for political independence or personal liberation.
๐ฅ Almost there! Finish strong and practice what you know!
You've mastered the BREAK family! Discover other phrasal verb families and practice with interactive exercises.
Meaning: To end a relationship or tradition, to abandon old ways
"He decided to break with family tradition and study art."
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"The company broke with its old business model."
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๐ก Usage Tip:
Important for discussing change and abandoning old practices.