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break into

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

to get into something by force, start suddenly, or succeed in entering a new field

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

to enter a building or other place illegally by force

"Thieves broke into the shop during the night."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

to suddenly begin doing something such as laughing, crying, or singing

"The whole room broke into applause at the end."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

to succeed in entering a new profession, market, or area of activity

"She is hoping to break into film production after college."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very common. Used with buildings, conversations, industries, songs, and markets.

Commonly used with

a house the market the conversation song tears industry

Forms

Base
break into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
breaks into
he/she/it
Past simple
broke into
yesterday
Past participle
broken into
have + pp
-ing form
breaking into
continuous

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Synonyms

enter by force burst into get into move into gain access to

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