b and e
Low/MediumLegal/Police, Informal, Journalism
Definition
Meaning
The crime of breaking and entering a building with intent to commit a felony (typically theft).
As a specific legal charge for unlawful entry; informally used to refer to the act of burglary itself.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used as a noun phrase ('charged with B and E'), but can function as a modifier ('a B and E charge'). It originated as an abbreviation of 'breaking and entering,' the traditional legal phrase that specified the method of illegal entry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is predominantly North American. In British English, the equivalent legal term is 'burglary' (which encompasses the act), or more formally 'aggravated burglary' under specific circumstances. 'Breaking and entering' as a phrase is understood but is not a standard standalone legal charge in the UK.
Connotations
In US/Canada, it has a specific, technical legal connotation. In the UK, its use would sound like American police procedural jargon.
Frequency
Common in US/Canadian news reports and police blotters. Very rare in contemporary UK usage outside of contexts influenced by American media.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be charged with + B and Ecommit + B and Ebe convicted of + B and Earrested for + B and EVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms; the term itself is a fixed legal idiom.]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in security industry reports ('The premises were secured against B and E.').
Academic
Used in criminology, sociology, or legal studies papers discussing crime statistics or specific charges.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation about crime, especially in North America ('There's been a lot of B and Es in our neighbourhood lately.').
Technical
Standard term in North American police reports, legal indictments, and court proceedings.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [Not used as a verb in standard UK English]
American English
- [Informal/Slang: The kids were accused of trying to B and E the old warehouse.]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable]
American English
- [Not applicable]
adjective
British English
- [Not typically used adjectivally in UK English]
American English
- He had a prior B and E conviction on his record.
- The police are looking at a possible B and E suspect.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The news said there was a B and E on our street.
- The man was arrested and charged with B and E after the break-in.
- The criminologist's study correlated economic downturns with a rise in non-violent property crimes, particularly B and Es.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the letters B (Breaking) and E (Entering) as the two steps a burglar must take to commit this specific crime.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRIME IS A JOURNEY (with steps: break, then enter).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'B и E'. Russian uses 'кража со взломом' (theft with break-in) or the broader legal term 'грабеж'/ 'разбой' (robbery) which imply violence. 'B and E' is specifically about unlawful entry, theft may be the intent but is not required for the charge.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb ('He B and E'd the house' is very informal/slang). Confusing it with 'robbery' (which involves confrontation/taking by force). Spelling it 'B&E' or 'B & E' is common but the formal JSON structure requires the spelled-out 'and'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'B and E' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In common North American usage, they are often used interchangeably. However, legally, 'B and E' (Breaking and Entering) is often a specific charge that is a component of or a lesser charge than 'burglary', which requires the additional intent to commit a felony inside.
No. It is an American/Canadian legal term. In the UK, use 'burglary', 'break-in', or the formal legal terminology like 'aggravated burglary'.
You say each letter: 'Bee and Ee'. The 'and' is usually reduced in connected speech, especially in American English (e.g., 'bee-uhn-ee').
All forms are seen in informal and journalistic contexts. The most standard written form for the full phrase is 'breaking and entering'. When abbreviating, 'B and E' (with spaces) is common, while 'B&E' is a frequent stylistic variant.