"break through" vs "breakthrough"

Question

"break through" vs "breakthrough"

Both "break through" and "breakthrough" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Break through" is a phrasal verb meaning to overcome a barrier or obstacle, while "breakthrough" is a noun referring to a significant development or achievement.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

Use "break through" when you want to describe overcoming a barrier, obstacle, or resistance. It is often used in a figurative sense to indicate a significant achievement or progress.

Examples:

She finally managed to break through the language barrier and communicate effectively.
The team's hard work allowed them to break through the competition and emerge as the winners.
After years of research, they were able to break through in the field of medicine.

Alternatives:

overcome
make a breakthrough
penetrate
get past
triumph over

Use "breakthrough" when you want to refer to a significant development, discovery, or achievement in a particular field. It is often used in scientific, technological, or medical contexts.

Examples:

The new drug represents a major breakthrough in cancer treatment.
The company's latest innovation was considered a breakthrough in the industry.
Scientists celebrated the breakthrough in understanding the origins of the universe.

Alternatives:

milestone
discovery
advance
innovation
achievement

Answer 1

break through

This is a correct phrasal verb used to describe overcoming a barrier or obstacle.

Answer 2

breakthrough

This is a correct noun used to describe a significant development or achievement.

"break through" vs "breakthrough"

break through

breakthrough

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