Phrasal verb
burst in
Definition
phrasal verb. to enter a room or building suddenly and noisily, often without knocking. You use this when someone interrupts what you are doing by coming in unexpectedly.
phrasal verb. To enter a space abruptly and forcefully, typically causing an interruption. The phrasal verb is intransitive but frequently collocates with 'on' to form a three-part phrasal verb meaning to interrupt someone.
Examples
“He always bursts in without knocking first.”
“The children burst in while I was on a video call, shouting about the ice cream truck outside.”
“The police burst in just as the suspects were attempting to destroy the evidence, catching them completely off guard in the dimly lit basement.”
Examples
simple
“He always bursts in without knocking first.”
contextual
“The children burst in while I was on a video call, shouting about the ice cream truck outside.”
complex
“The police burst in just as the suspects were attempting to destroy the evidence, catching them completely off guard in the dimly lit basement.”
Usage
Usually used without an object, or followed by 'on' to indicate who is being interrupted.
Teaching tip
Use this to teach the 'suddenness' aspect of the verb 'burst' and compare it with 'burst into tears' or 'burst into flames'.
Pitfall
He burst in the room.
He burst into the room.
Use 'into' when a destination follows; 'in' acts as a particle and does not take a direct object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
burst + 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
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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