break into
B1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To enter a place by force, without permission, typically with criminal intent.
To begin suddenly a new activity, sound, or state; to successfully enter a new profession or market.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The phrasal verb is primarily transitive and inseparable. Its primary meaning is associated with illegal entry, but its extended meanings (like 'begin suddenly' or 'enter a market') are very common in broader contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the literal and figurative senses equally.
Connotations
Identical connotations. The literal sense has strong negative/illegal connotations, while figurative senses (e.g., 'break into a smile') are neutral/positive.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NP break into NP (e.g., Thieves broke into the car.)NP break into doing something (e.g., She broke into sobbing.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Break into the big time”
- “Break into a gallop”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Commonly used for entering new markets or sectors: 'The startup aims to break into the Asian market.'
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing; might appear in sociological texts discussing crime.
Everyday
Very common for describing burglary or sudden starts of actions/emotions.
Technical
Used in cybersecurity: 'Hackers broke into the database.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Someone tried to break into our shed last night.
- He suddenly broke into a broad Geordie accent.
American English
- The burglars broke into the apartment through a window.
- She broke into the tech industry right after college.
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable as a phrasal verb)
American English
- (Not applicable as a phrasal verb)
adjective
British English
- (Not applicable as a phrasal verb)
American English
- (Not applicable as a phrasal verb)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The cat broke into the kitchen.
- She broke into a smile.
- Thieves broke into the office and stole the computers.
- He was so happy he broke into song.
- It's very difficult for new companies to break into the global market.
- The audience broke into spontaneous applause.
- The cybersecurity firm demonstrated how easy it was to break into the poorly encrypted system.
- After years of bit parts, she finally broke into mainstream cinema.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'break' as a physical fracture and 'into' as direction. You fracture the barrier to get INTO a place or state.
Conceptual Metaphor
INITIATION IS FORCIBLE ENTRY (e.g., breaking into a career).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'break in' (which focuses on the action of entering).
- The Russian verb 'врываться' can cover both 'break into' and 'burst into'.
- Avoid translating 'break into a smile' literally; use 'расплыться в улыбке'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'break in' instead of 'break into' before an object: Incorrect: 'They broke in the house.' Correct: 'They broke into the house.'
- Confusing with 'break up into' (to separate into parts).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common meaning of 'break into'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Break in' is intransitive and doesn't take a direct object (e.g., 'Burglars broke in last night'). 'Break into' is transitive and must be followed by the object (the place entered), e.g., 'They broke into the house'.
Yes, figurative uses can be positive, e.g., 'break into a smile', 'break into the film industry', or 'break into applause'.
It is neutral in register. The literal meaning is standard in news reports. The figurative meanings are common in everyday and business language.
The past tense is formed with the verb 'break'—'broke into'. For example, 'He broke into a run' or 'They broke into the car'.