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The phrasal verb "break into" carries multiple meanings and connotations depending on the context in which it is used. While primarily associated with crimes, it can also refer to entering a field or market. Below, we provide a comprehensive dictionary definition of "break into."
1. To forcibly gain entry into a building, vehicle, or enclosed space, usually with the intent to commit theft, vandalism, or other illegal acts. This often involves breaking locks, windows, or other physical barriers.
2. In a lawful context, "break into" may also refer to entering or gaining access to something with effort, difficulty, or initiative. For example, "breaking into the music industry" implies making a successful entry or debut by overcoming challenges and establishing oneself as an artist or performer.
3. To interrupt or disrupt a conversation, situation, or activity suddenly or unexpectedly. This can refer to situations where someone interjects or joins a discussion, usually without invitation or prior agreement.
4. In computing, "break into" refers to the unauthorized access or hacking into a computer system or network, often done for malicious intents such as stealing information, causing damage, or exploiting vulnerabilities.
5. Occasionally, "break into" can also describe achieving sudden or unexpected success, often in an artistic or creative field. For instance, an actor may "break into Hollywood" after previously struggling for recognition.
In general, "break into" carries a connotation of forceful or unauthorized entry, either physically or metaphorically, with implications of overcoming barriers, seizing opportunities, or engaging in illicit activities.
The word "break into" has its roots in Old English. The term "break" comes from the Old English word "brecan", meaning "to break, shatter, or fracture". The word "into" evolved from the Old English word "intō", derived from the preposition "in" combined with the adverb "to". Over time, the combination of "break" and "into" created the phrasal verb "break into", which now refers to forcibly entering a place or getting involved in an activity suddenly or unexpectedly.
CONDITIONAL
I
would break into
you
would break into
he/she/it
would break into
we
would break into
they
would break into
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be breaking into
you
would be breaking into
he/she/it
would be breaking into
we
would be breaking into
they
would be breaking into
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have break into
you
would have break into
he/she/it
would have break into
we
would have break into
they
would have break into
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been breaking into
you
would have been breaking into
he/she/it
would have been breaking into
we
would have been breaking into
they
would have been breaking into
FUTURE
I
will break into
you
will break into
he/she/it
will break into
we
will break into
they
will break into
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be breaking into
you
will be breaking into
he/she/it
will be breaking into
we
will be breaking into
they
will be breaking into
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have broken into
you
will have broken into
he/she/it
will have broken into
we
will have broken into
they
will have broken into
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been breaking into
you
will have been breaking into
he/she/it
will have been breaking into
we
will have been breaking into
they
will have been breaking into
IMPERATIVE
you
break into
we
let´s break into
to break into
PAST
I
broke into
you
broke into
he/she/it
broke into
we
broke into
they
broke into
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was breaking into
you
were breaking into
he/she/it
was breaking into
we
were breaking into
they
were breaking into
PAST PARTICIPLE
broken into
PAST PERFECT
I
had broken into
you
had broken into
he/she/it
had broken into
we
had broken into
they
had broken into
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been breaking into
you
had been breaking into
he/she/it
had been breaking into
we
had been breaking into
they
had been breaking into
PRESENT
I
break into
you
break into
he/she/it
breaks into
we
break into
they
break into
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am breaking into
you
are breaking into
he/she/it
is breaking into
we
are breaking into
they
are breaking into
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
breaking into
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have broken into
you
have broken into
he/she/it
has broken into
we
have broken into
they
have broken into
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been breaking into
you
have been breaking into
he/she/it
has been breaking into
we
have been breaking into
they
have been breaking into
