Phrasal verb
break into
Meanings
to enter a building or place illegally by force, often to steal
to become involved in a new activity, group, or field that is difficult to enter
Definition
To break into means to enter a building or place by force, especially to steal something.
When someone breaks into a place, they enter it illegally, often by forcing a door, window, or lock. This is commonly done with the goal of stealing or causing damage. People also use it in the passive form to describe what happened to a home, car, or office.
Examples
- Someone tried to break into my apartment last night.
- They managed to break into the warehouse through a side door.
- He was shocked when thieves broke into his car in the parking lot.
- She’s been trying to break into the film industry for years.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse break into (enter illegally) with break in (enter a building by force or get used to something), so choose the correct particle for your meaning.
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.