Phrasal verbs are a key feature of natural English, but they can be challenging due to their idiomatic meanings. One verb that forms many useful and commonly used phrasal verbs is “break.” From break down (to stop functioning) to break into (to enter by force), these expressions appear frequently in everyday conversations, reading, and exams.
Understanding how to use phrasal verbs with “break” correctly will help you:
✅ Comprehend native speakers more easily
✅ Express yourself with precision and variety
✅ Sound more natural in both spoken and written English
This comprehensive guide will teach you:
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The meanings and nuances of key phrasal verbs with “break”
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Their grammatical structure and patterns
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Examples in clear sentences for context
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Usage rules and common mistakes to avoid
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Practice exercises to reinforce your learning
Whether you are preparing for English proficiency exams, aiming to improve your fluency, or looking to expand your vocabulary for academic and professional settings, mastering phrasal verbs with “break” will significantly enhance your command of English.
By the end of this article, you will confidently understand and use phrasal verbs with “break” in everyday communication, making your English more expressive, clear, and advanced.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What are Phrasal Verbs with “Break”?
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Phrasal Verbs with “Break”
- Examples of Phrasal Verbs with “Break”
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Introduction
Phrasal verbs are an essential part of the English language, adding color and nuance to everyday conversations and written texts. Mastering them can significantly improve your fluency and comprehension.
Phrasal verbs formed with “break,” such as “break down,” “break up,” and “break into,” have diverse meanings that are not always immediately obvious from the individual words. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and using these phrasal verbs effectively.
By exploring their definitions, structures, and usage rules, you will gain a deeper understanding of how to incorporate them into your vocabulary, enhancing your ability to communicate clearly and naturally in English.
What are Phrasal Verbs with “Break”?
A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that creates a new meaning distinct from the original verb. When “break” combines with different particles, it forms a variety of phrasal verbs with unique meanings.
These phrasal verbs can be transitive (requiring an object) or intransitive (not requiring an object). The particle can sometimes be separated from the verb by the object (separable), while in other cases, the verb and particle must remain together (inseparable).
For example, “break down” can mean to stop functioning (intransitive), as in “The car broke down on the highway.” It can also mean to analyze something into smaller parts (transitive), as in “Let’s break down the problem into manageable steps.” These varied meanings highlight the importance of understanding the specific context in which a phrasal verb is used.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure of a phrasal verb with “break” is: break + particle(s). The particle can be a preposition (e.g., “into,” “with”) or an adverb (e.g., “down,” “up”). The structure can further be categorized based on transitivity and separability:
1. Transitive Phrasal Verbs: These verbs require an object. The object can sometimes be placed between “break” and the particle (separable) or after the particle (inseparable). The separability often depends on whether the object is a noun or a pronoun.
Example (separable): Break the news gently. or Break it gently.
Example (inseparable): Break into the house. (You cannot say “Break the house into.”)
2. Intransitive Phrasal Verbs: These verbs do not require an object. The verb and particle always stay together.
Example: The negotiations broke down.
Understanding the transitivity and separability of a phrasal verb is crucial for using it correctly in a sentence. Incorrect placement of the object can lead to awkward or ungrammatical sentences.
Types and Categories of Phrasal Verbs with “Break”
Phrasal verbs with “break” can be categorized based on their meanings and functions. Here are some common categories:
1. Mechanical Failure or Cessation
These phrasal verbs refer to something stopping working or ceasing to function.
2. Emotional or Mental State
These phrasal verbs describe changes in emotional or mental states, such as sadness, despair, or relief.
3. Relationships and Agreements
These phrasal verbs relate to the ending or disruption of relationships or agreements.
4. Violation or Intrusion
These phrasal verbs involve breaking rules, laws, or physical barriers.
5. Distribution or Dispersal
These phrasal verbs describe the act of spreading or dividing something.
6. Gradual Disclosure or Revelation
These phrasal verbs refer to the gradual unveiling or discovery of information.
Examples of Phrasal Verbs with “Break”
This section provides extensive examples of phrasal verbs with “break,” organized by category, to illustrate their diverse meanings and usage.
1. Mechanical Failure or Cessation
These phrasal verbs focus on things stopping working or functioning. Examples include “break down,” “break off,” and “break out.”
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Break down | Stop functioning (machinery) | The old car broke down in the middle of the desert. |
| Break down | Fail to resist emotionally | She broke down in tears when she heard the news. |
| Break off | To become detached; to stop suddenly | The branch broke off from the tree during the storm. |
| Break off | To discontinue something | They decided to break off negotiations due to disagreements. |
| Break out | To start suddenly (e.g., war, fire) | A fire broke out in the warehouse last night. |
| Break out | To develop a skin rash | I broke out in hives after eating the shellfish. |
| Break out | To escape from a place | The prisoners broke out of jail. |
| Break through | To penetrate or force a way through | The sunlight broke through the clouds. |
| Break ground | To begin or start something | They broke ground on the new stadium last week. |
| Break even | To have neither a profit nor a loss | The restaurant hoped to break even after the slow summer months. |
| Break a sweat | To make a strong effort | He didn’t break a sweat during the exam. |
| Break a habit | To stop a habit | It’s difficult to break a habit like smoking. |
| Break cover | To emerge from hiding | The deer broke cover and ran across the field. |
| Break ranks | To go against the consensus | The senator broke ranks with his party on the vote. |
| Break silence | To speak after a period of silence | She finally broke silence and told her story. |
| Break step | To be out of rhythm | The marching band broke step as they went around the corner. |
| Break stride | To lose momentum or rhythm | The interruption caused him to break stride during his presentation. |
| Break wind | To fart (vulgar) | He accidentally broke wind during the meeting. |
| Break free | To escape from confinement | The bird broke free from its cage. |
| Break loose | To become detached or uncontrolled | The dog broke loose from its leash. |
2. Emotional or Mental State
These phrasal verbs describe shifts in emotional or mental states. Examples include “break down,” “break through,” and “break with.”
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Break down | To lose emotional control | He broke down when he heard about his friend’s accident. |
| Break through | To overcome a barrier (emotional or mental) | She finally broke through her fear of public speaking. |
| Break with | To end a relationship or association | He decided to break with his old habits and start a new life. |
| Break out in | To suddenly develop (a rash, sweat) | She broke out in a cold sweat before the exam. |
| Break the news | To inform someone of bad news | He had to break the news to his family about the job loss. |
| Break your back | To work very hard | He broke his back trying to finish the project on time. |
| Break a leg | Good luck (theatrical) | I told him to break a leg before his performance. |
| Break the ice | To initiate social interaction | Telling a joke helped to break the ice at the meeting. |
| Break bread | To share a meal | Let’s break bread and discuss the agreement. |
| Break hearts | To cause emotional pain | His decision to leave broke hearts throughout the community. |
| Break someone’s spirit | To discourage someone | The harsh criticism broke his spirit and he quit the project. |
| Break the bank | To cost too much money | Buying a new car would break the bank. |
| Break the mold | To do something differently | She wanted to break the mold and start her own business. |
| Break the spell | To end a state of enchantment | The loud noise broke the spell of the quiet evening. |
| Break ground | To start a project or idea | She broke ground with her innovative research. |
| Break character | To stop acting a role | The actor accidentally broke character during the funny scene. |
| Break a sweat | To make a real effort | He didn’t even break a sweat when doing the workout. |
| Break a smile | To smile slightly | She couldn’t help but break a smile when she saw him. |
| Break even | To neither gain nor lose money | The company managed to break even this quarter. |
| Break rank | To disagree with the majority | He chose to break rank and voted against the bill. |
3. Relationships and Agreements
These phrasal verbs are used to describe the ending or disruption of relationships or agreements. Common examples include “break up” and “break off.”
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Break up | To end a romantic relationship | They decided to break up after five years together. |
| Break off | To end a connection or agreement | The company broke off negotiations with the supplier. |
| Break with | To end a relationship or association | He decided to break with his former business partners. |
| Break ties | To end a relationship | She decided to break ties with everyone she knew. |
| Break faith | To betray a promise | He broke faith with his friends by telling their secrets. |
| Break a promise | To fail to keep a promise | She broke a promise to her daughter, and she felt guilty. |
| Break a deal | To violate an agreement | He broke a deal, so he had to pay a penalty. |
| Break vows | To fail to keep marriage vows | They broke vows and their marriage ended. |
| Break a contract | To violate a legal agreement | The company broke a contract, leading to legal action. |
| Break ranks | To deviate from the group | He broke ranks and voted against the party line. |
| Break bread | To share a meal together | They broke bread as they discussed the terms of the alliance. |
| Break the ice | To make people feel more comfortable | A funny joke can break the ice in an awkward situation. |
| Break the tension | To reduce stress in a situation | A moment of laughter broke the tension in the room. |
| Break contact | To stop communicating | She decided to break contact after the argument. |
| Break a partnership | To end a business relationship | They had to break a partnership due to financial issues. |
| Break an engagement | To end a planned marriage | They decided to break an engagement before the wedding. |
| Break off relations | To end diplomatic relationships | The countries broke off relations after the conflict. |
| Break trust | To lose someone’s confidence | He broke trust when he lied to her. |
| Break the habit | To end an addiction | He worked hard to break the habit of smoking. |
| Break the cycle | To stop a recurring pattern | She wanted to break the cycle of poverty in her family. |
4. Violation or Intrusion
These phrasal verbs involve breaking rules, laws, or physical barriers. Examples include “break into” and “break through.”
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Break into | To enter illegally (a building) | Someone broke into our house last night. |
| Break through | To penetrate or force a way through an obstacle | The protesters broke through the police barricade. |
| Break the law | To commit an illegal act | He broke the law and was arrested by the police. |
| Break a rule | To not follow a regulation | She broke a rule and received a warning. |
| Break the speed limit | To drive faster than allowed | He broke the speed limit and got a ticket. |
| Break the code | To decipher a secret message | The spy managed to break the code. |
| Break the blockade | To pass through a barrier | The ship broke the blockade. |
| Break ranks | To violate a norm | He broke ranks and spoke out against the policy. |
| Break ground | To start something new | They broke ground on the new building project. |
| Break the news | To tell someone important information | They had to break the news to the family. |
| Break a silence | To end a period of silence | He broke a silence and gave his opinion. |
| Break protocol | To violate official procedures | She broke protocol by speaking directly to the CEO. |
| Break the mold | To do something innovative | He broke the mold with his unique approach. |
| Break a record | To surpass an existing record | She broke a record in the competition. |
| Break a habit | To stop a bad habit | He tried to break a habit of nail-biting. |
| Break a fast | To end a period of fasting | They broke a fast with a celebratory meal. |
| Break a curse | To remove a magical spell | The wizard attempted to break a curse. |
| Break cover | To come out of hiding | The animal broke cover and ran across the field. |
| Break step | To be out of sync | The soldiers broke step during the parade. |
| Break stride | To lose momentum | The interruption caused him to break stride. |
5. Distribution or Dispersal
These phrasal verbs describe the act of spreading or dividing something. Examples include “break up” and “break down.”
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Break up | To disperse or scatter | The crowd began to break up after the concert ended. |
| Break down | To divide into smaller parts | The lecturer broke down the complex topic into simpler concepts. |
| Break out | To spread rapidly | Measles broke out in the city. |
| Break even | To balance costs and revenue | The company needed to sell more to break even. |
| Break the mold | To do things differently | She wanted to break the mold and create something unique. |
| Break the silence | To start speaking | He broke the silence with a nervous laugh. |
| Break the news | To deliver important information | They had to break the news of the accident. |
| Break ground | To start a new project | The company broke ground on the new headquarters. |
| Break ranks | To deviate from the norm | He broke ranks and voted against the party line. |
| Break bread | To share a meal | They broke bread and discussed the project. |
| Break the ice | To ease social tension | He told a joke to break the ice. |
| Break the tension | To release stress | A moment of levity broke the tension in the room. |
| Break a sweat | To make an effort | He didn’t break a sweat during the workout. |
| Break a smile | To smile briefly | She couldn’t help but break a smile. |
| Break a habit | To stop a bad habit | He tried to break a habit of smoking. |
| Break free | To escape | The bird broke free from its cage. |
| Break loose | To become detached | The dog broke loose from its leash. |
| Break even | To have no profit or loss | They hoped to break even this year. |
| Break a promise | To not keep an agreement | He broke a promise to his daughter. |
| Break a contract | To violate an agreement | The company broke a contract and faced consequences. |
6. Gradual Disclosure or Revelation
These phrasal verbs refer to the gradual unveiling or discovery of information. A key example is “break through.”
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Break through | To make a discovery or advancement after effort | The scientist finally broke through with a new discovery. |
| Break the news | To announce something | They had to break the news to the family about the accident. |
| Break a story | To release a news event | The newspaper broke a story about the scandal. |
| Break cover | To reveal oneself | The spy broke cover and revealed his identity. |
| Break the silence | To start speaking | He decided to break the silence and speak his mind. |
| Break the code | To decipher a secret message | The team managed to break the code and uncover the plot. |
| Break the truth | To reveal the truth | She decided to break the truth about what happened. |
| Break a secret | To reveal a secret | He accidentally broke a secret. |
| Break the ice | To make someone comfortable | He told a joke to break the ice. |
| Break the tension | To relieve stress | A moment of humor broke the tension. |
| Break ranks | To go against a group | He broke ranks and voted against the bill. |
| Break ground | To begin a new project | The company broke ground on the new building. |
| Break new ground | To discover new things | The research broke new ground in the field. |
| Break a spell | To interrupt a trance | The noise broke a spell that she was in. |
| Break a story | To publish a story | The journalist was determined to break a story on corruption. |
| Break a case | To solve a case | The detective managed to break a case that had been open for years. |
| Break wind | To pass gas | He tried not to break wind at the dinner table. |
| Break the bank | To cost too much money | Buying a new car would break the bank for them. |
| Break the bank | To cost too much money | Buying a new car would break the bank for them. |
| Break cover | To reveal one’s position | The soldiers waited for the enemy to break cover. |
Usage Rules
Using phrasal verbs with “break” correctly requires understanding a few key rules:
1. Transitivity: Determine whether the phrasal verb is transitive or intransitive. Transitive verbs require an object, while intransitive verbs do not.
2. Separability: If the phrasal verb is transitive, determine whether it is separable. With separable phrasal verbs, the object can go between “break” and the particle, especially if the object is a pronoun.
3. Context: Pay attention to the context to determine the correct meaning of the phrasal verb. Many phrasal verbs have multiple meanings, and the context will help you understand which meaning is intended.
4. Register: Be aware of the register. Some phrasal verbs are more informal than others and may not be appropriate in formal writing or speech.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes learners make when using phrasal verbs with “break”:
1. Incorrect Word Order: Misplacing the object in separable phrasal verbs.
Incorrect: Break down it.
Correct: Break it down.
2. Literal Interpretation: Interpreting the phrasal verb literally rather than understanding its idiomatic meaning.
Incorrect: Assuming “break down” always refers to physically breaking something.
Correct: Understanding that “break down” can also mean to stop functioning (e.g., a car) or to lose emotional control.
3. Using the Wrong Particle: Choosing the wrong particle, which changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Incorrect: Break in the house.
Correct: Break into the house.
4. Overusing Phrasal Verbs: Using phrasal verbs when a simpler, more formal verb would be more appropriate.
Informal: The negotiations broke down.
Formal: The negotiations failed.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of phrasal verbs with “break” with these exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct phrasal verb.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The car _______ on the way to the airport. | broke down |
| 2. They decided to _______ their engagement. | break off |
| 3. Someone tried to _______ our house last night. | break into |
| 4. She _______ in tears when she heard the news. | broke down |
| 5. The fire _______ in the forest due to the dry conditions. | broke out |
| 6. The company hopes to _______ this year after a slow start. | break even |
| 7. The protesters managed to _______ the police line. | break through |
| 8. They had to _______ the news to the family about the accident. | break the news |
| 9. He tried to _______ his bad habit of biting his nails. | break |
| 10. The crowd began to _______ after the concert ended. | break up |
Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Phrasal Verb
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The meeting _______ without any agreement. | (a) broke up (b) broke down (c) broke off | (a) broke up |
| 2. She _______ a rash after eating strawberries. | (a) broke out in (b) broke down in (c) broke up in | (a) broke out in |
| 3. The thief _______ the car window to steal the radio. | (a) broke into (b) broke down (c) broke through | (a) broke into |
| 4. He _______ with his old friends after moving to a new city. | (a) broke up (b) broke down (c) broke with | (c) broke with |
| 5. The sun _______ the clouds after a long rain. | (a) broke in (b) broke through (c) broke down | (b) broke through |
| 6. The company managed to _______ despite the economic downturn. | (a) break even (b) break down (c) break up | (a) break even |
| 7. She _______ when she received the acceptance letter. | (a) broke out (b) broke down (c) broke even | (b) broke down |
| 8. The negotiations _______ after several weeks of discussion. | (a) broke down (b) broke out (c) broke even | (a) broke down |
| 9. He wanted to _______ the news to his family gently. | (a) break (b) break even (c) breakout | (a) break |
| 10. The prisoners _______ of jail. | (a) broke down (b) broke up (c) broke out | (c) broke out |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of phrasal verb usage is essential. This includes recognizing the subtle differences in meaning between similar phrasal verbs and understanding how context affects their interpretation.
For example, “break away” can mean to escape from captivity or to separate from a group or organization. The specific meaning depends on the surrounding words and the overall situation.
Additionally, exploring the etymology of phrasal verbs can provide deeper insights into their meanings. Understanding the historical context in which these expressions originated can help learners appreciate their richness and complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions learners have about phrasal verbs with “break”:
1. How can I best learn phrasal verbs with “break”?
The best way to learn phrasal verbs is through context. Read and listen to English as much as possible, paying attention to how phrasal verbs are used in different situations.
Make flashcards with definitions and example sentences. Practice using the phrasal verbs in your own writing and speaking.
2. Are phrasal verbs with “break” always separable?
No, not all phrasal verbs with “break” are separable. Separability depends on the specific phrasal verb.
Some are always inseparable, while others are separable, especially when the object is a pronoun.
3. How do I know which particle to use with “break”?
The correct particle depends on the meaning you want to convey. Refer to a dictionary or grammar guide for the specific meanings of different phrasal verbs with “break.” Pay attention to the context in which the phrasal verb is used.
4. Can I use phrasal verbs with “break” in formal writing?
Some phrasal verbs are more informal than others. In formal writing, it is often better to
choose a more formal verb.
However, some phrasal verbs are commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Use your judgment and consider your audience.
5. What is the difference between “break up” and “break down”?
“Break up” typically refers to ending a relationship or dispersing a group, while “break down” can mean to stop functioning, lose emotional control, or analyze something into smaller parts. The context will determine the intended meaning.
Conclusion
Phrasal verbs with “break” are a diverse and essential part of the English language. By understanding their structures, meanings, and usage rules, you can significantly improve your fluency and comprehension.
This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of these versatile expressions, equipping you with the knowledge and practice you need to use them confidently. Keep practicing and paying attention to context, and you’ll master these tricky but valuable phrases in no time.