Phrasal verb
break in
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
break in
Past
broke in
Past participle
broken in
Definition
phrasal verb. to enter a building by force, usually to steal something.
phrasal verb. to enter a premises by force or without permission, typically with criminal intent. Often used intransitively when the location is implied.
Examples
“Someone tried to break in while we were away.”
“The burglars managed to break in through a small window in the back of the house.”
“Security footage revealed that the suspects attempted to break in multiple times before finally bypassing the electronic lock.”
Examples
simple
“Someone tried to break in while we were away.”
contextual
“The burglars managed to break in through a small window in the back of the house.”
complex
“Security footage revealed that the suspects attempted to break in multiple times before finally bypassing the electronic lock.”
Usage
This form is intransitive; if you want to mention the building, use 'break into' instead.
Teaching tip
Help students distinguish between the intransitive 'break in' and the transitive 'break into' to avoid common preposition errors.
Pitfall
The thief broke in the office.
The thief broke into the office.
Use 'break in' alone; if you name the place, you must use 'break into'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
break + in
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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