# burst in

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/burst-in
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He burst in the room." but "He burst into the room." — Use 'into' when a destination follows; 'in' acts as a particle and does not take a direct object.

## Usage notes

- 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'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.