"break down" vs "break into"

Question

"break down" vs "break into"

Both "break into" and "break down" are correct phrases, but they have different meanings and usage. "Break into" is used to describe forcibly entering a place, while "break down" is used to describe something collapsing or failing. They are not interchangeable as they convey different actions.

Last Updated: March 17, 2024

This phrase is used to describe something collapsing, failing, or disintegrating. It can also refer to analyzing or explaining something in detail.

Examples:

The old bridge started to break down due to years of neglect.
Her car broke down on the highway.
The negotiations broke down when they couldn't reach an agreement.
I had to break down the complex topic into simpler terms for the students.
The team will break down the project into smaller tasks.

Alternatives:

collapse
fail
disintegrate
analyze in detail
explain thoroughly

This phrase is used to describe forcibly entering a place, such as a building or a car. It can also be used metaphorically to describe starting something, like a new career or market.

Examples:

The thieves tried to break into the house last night.
She managed to break into the competitive industry with her innovative ideas.
The hackers attempted to break into the company's database.
The detective needed to break into the suspect's alibi.
He finally decided to break into the music industry.

Alternatives:

force entry into
intrude into
penetrate
gain access to
enter forcibly

Answer 1

break down

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

break into

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"break down" vs "break into"

break down

break into

Related Comparisons