Phrasal Verbs - Break (Break down v Break in v Break off v Break out v Break through v Break up)

Break down – to stop functioning

Ø     My car broke down this morning. So, I had to take the bus to work.

Break in (to) – to enter a building by force

Ø     A burglar broke into our house while we were away and stole all the jewellery and electronic items.

Break off

1.  to stop speaking suddenly

Ø     Ms Johnson broke off in the middle of a sentence and stared at the group of noisy children seated at the back of the class.

2.  to end sth

Ø     We were shocked to learn that Zack and Rachael have broken off their engagement.

Break out – to escape from a place

Ø     Despite the heavy security, two prisoners managed to break out of prison last night.

Break through – to achieve or discover sth new

Ø     A few scientists have claimed to be on the verge of (= very close to) a break through in a cure for lung cancer.

Break up – to end a relationship

Ø     Jake and Christina may have broken up, but they’re still good friends.