5 Phrasal Verbs with “Break”

It’s common knowledge that phrasal verbs are an integral part of English language. They are used in written and oral language. But what are they?

A phrasal verb is a combination of two or three words that functions a verb in a sentence. A phrasal verb can be made up of a verb and an adverb, a preposition or both. It’s important to mention that this combination has a different meaning to that of the original verb. Here are some examples of phrasal verbs: look up (meaning: to search for information), look after (meaning: to take care of someone), look forward to (meaning: to feel excited about that is going to happen).

Today I’d like to talk about 5 popular phrasal verbs with the word “break”. Let’s take a look at them:

1) Break up

Meanings: to separate or break into pieces; to end the romantic relationship; to stop the fight. It can also be used as a noun in a sentence.

Examples:

They broke up after 5 years of relationship. Everyone was sure they would get married.

The vase broke up when it hit the ground. My mom is going to be very sad.

She called the police to break up the fight between them.

Their break-up was extremely painful to him.

2) Break into/in

Meanings: to enter the place by using force, usually illegally; to cause to function better after using or wearing. Break in can be used as a noun in a sentence as well.

Examples:

They broke into the house and stole all the jewelry.

My feet will better after I break those shoes in.

I can’t sleep at night after the break-in.

3) Break through

Meanings: to pass an obstacle; to succeed in something.

Examples:

People broke through the police cordons.

I really need to break through this depression. I can’t live like that anymore.

4) Break away

Meanings: to leave an organization; to become separated.

Examples:

He broke away from the Democratic Party a few years ago.

A piece of rock broke away from the cliff edge.

5) Break even

Meanings: to neither lose nor gain resources; to stay the same.

Examples:

After 3 hours of gambling, he nearly broke even.

We need to do a lot of work to break even.