Phrasal verb
break in
Meanings
to enter a building or vehicle illegally, often by forcing entry
to interrupt someone when they are speaking or doing something
to make something new comfortable or easy to use by using it gradually over time
Definition
To break in means to enter a building or vehicle illegally, usually to steal something.
To break in usually means to get into a place like a house, office, or car without permission, often by forcing a lock or window. It is commonly used when talking about theft or security. It can also mean to interrupt a conversation, or to get used to something new like shoes or a machine.
Examples
- Someone tried to break in through the back door last night.
- I didn’t mean to break in, but I thought you had finished speaking.
- She wore the boots around the house to break in the leather.
- They installed extra lights after thieves broke in to the warehouse.
- You can break in the new coffee grinder by running a small batch first.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse “break in” (enter illegally) with “break into” and may forget to add the object after “into” (e.g., “break into the house”).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.