Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

break into

Word Rarity Common

Frequency: 5.13 in modern English

Syllables: break in-to
IPA

15

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

2

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To enter illegally or by force, especially in order to commit a crime.

Transitive verb

verb

To open or begin to use.

Transitive verb

verb

To successfully enter a profession or business.

Transitive verb

verb

To begin suddenly.

Transitive verb

Example Sentences

"Somebody broke into his car and stole his tools and CDs."
"Hackers broke into the bank's computer system and stole customer data."
"His house was broken into only last week."
"I finally broke into the second package of cookies."
"He hopes to break into show business."
"The horse broke into a gallop as they neared the barn."

Usage

Transitive verb

Inflected Forms

breaks into (present, singular) breaking into (participle, present) broke into (past) broken into (participle, past)

Phrases

break into a run

Questions

What does break into mean?: To enter illegally or by force, especially in order to commit a crime.

How to pronounce break into

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “break into”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
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Repeat and practice — Say “break into” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.