The “break phrasal verb “encompasses a multitude of meanings, from the literal act of physically damaging or separating an object to the more abstract concept of disrupting or failing to adhere to a rule or tradition. Understanding its grammatical structure and contextual variations is crucial for achieving fluency in English and mastering its nuances. Throughout this analysis, we will explore the syntactic patterns that govern “break,” investigate its common collocations, and provide illustrative examples to demonstrate its diverse usages in everyday language.
Join us on this grammatical journey as we uncover the many dimensions of the “break” phrasal verb, unraveling its intricacies and appreciating its contribution to the expressive power of the English language.
The Complete List of the Break Phrasal Verbs with Meanings, and Usage
Here is a list of phrasal verbs using “break,” along with their meanings and professional example sentences:
- Break down
- Meaning: To stop working properly; to analyze or divide something into smaller parts.
- Example Sentence: The computer system broke down, causing a delay in our project.
- Break in
- Meaning: To enter a building or place illegally; to wear in or make something more comfortable through use.
- Example Sentence: The security team apprehended the intruder who tried to break in last night.
- Break out
- Meaning: To escape from a place; to start suddenly or become widespread.
- Example Sentence: A fire broke out in the factory, and the employees were evacuated immediately.
- Break up
- Meaning: To end a relationship; to separate it into smaller pieces; to disrupt or disband a group.
- Example Sentence: The business partners decided to break up their company due to irreconcilable differences.
- Break through
- Meaning: To overcome an obstacle; to achieve success despite difficulties.
- Example Sentence: After years of hard work, she finally managed to break through the competitive industry and become a successful entrepreneur.
- Break off
- Meaning: To end abruptly; to discontinue or terminate something.
- Example Sentence: The negotiations broke off when neither party could agree on the terms.
- Break away
- Meaning: To separate from a group; to gain independence or freedom.
- Example Sentence: The subsidiary company decided to break away from its parent corporation and operate as an independent entity.
- Break down
- Meaning: To explain something in detail; to analyze or simplify complex information.
- Example Sentence: The expert was able to break down the intricate financial report, making it easier for the team to understand.
- Break through
- Meaning: To make a significant discovery or progress in a particular field or endeavor.
- Example Sentence: The scientist’s groundbreaking research in renewable energy sources will revolutionize the industry.
- Break with
- Meaning: To discontinue a tradition or practice; to separate or distance oneself from someone or something.
- Example Sentence: The company decided to break with its old marketing strategy and embrace a more innovative approach.
- Break the news
- Meaning: To inform someone about important or surprising information.
- Example Sentence: The manager had to break the news to the team that the project deadline had been moved up.
- Break ground
- Meaning: To start a new construction project; to begin a significant endeavor.
- Example Sentence: The construction crew is scheduled to break ground on the new office building next week.
- Break into
- Meaning: To enter a new market or industry; to start a new career or field.
- Example Sentence: After years of working in finance, she decided to break into the world of technology startups.
- Break the ice
- Meaning: To initiate a conversation or activity to relieve tension or awkwardness in a social or professional setting.
- Example Sentence: The CEO used humor to break the ice during the annual company meeting.
- Break rank
- Meaning: To deviate from a group’s consensus or established order.
- Example Sentence: It took courage for the employee to break rank and voice his concerns during the team meeting.
The break phrasal verb can be valuable additions to your professional vocabulary, helping you communicate more effectively in various work-related situations.
Difference Between Break through and Breakthrough
In the context of break phrasal verbs, there are two words that seem to be the same in spelling and pronunciation but there are differences.
“Breakthrough” and “break through” are two different terms with distinct meanings and uses in the English language.
- Breakthrough (Noun):
- A “breakthrough” is a significant and noteworthy advancement or discovery in a particular field or area of study. It typically refers to a moment when progress is achieved, often after overcoming a significant obstacle or barrier.
- Example: The scientists made a groundbreaking “breakthrough” in cancer research, discovering a new treatment that shows great promise.
- Break Through (Verb Phrase):
- “Break through” is a verb phrase that means to penetrate or pass through a barrier, obstacle, or obstruction. It refers to physically or figuratively breaking through something that is blocking progress.
- Example: The athletes had to “break through” the defensive line to score a goal in a soccer match.
In summary, “breakthrough” is a noun that represents a significant achievement or discovery, while “break through” is a verb phrase that describes the action of overcoming an obstacle or barrier. The context in which they are used will determine their correct usage.
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