Separable Object can go in the middle or after: "break it off" or "break off the deal"
Inseparable Object always goes after the particle — never in the middle.
Intransitive No object needed — the verb stands alone.
break downIntransitive
A machine or vehicle stops working; a person cries or collapses emotionally; to analyze something in detail.
"My car broke down on the highway." / "She broke down in tears at the news."
break upIntransitive
To end a romantic relationship; to split or divide into smaller parts; to separate a fight.
"They broke up after three years together."
break inIntransitive
To enter a building illegally by force; to interrupt a conversation; to train something new (shoes, an employee).
"Someone broke in while we were on vacation." / "Sorry to break in, but we're out of time."
break outIntransitive
To escape from a place; to start suddenly and unexpectedly (fire, war, disease, argument).
"A fire broke out in the kitchen early this morning."
break intoInseparable
To enter a place illegally by force; to suddenly start doing something (laughing, singing); to enter a new market or field.
"Thieves broke into the store overnight." / "She broke into a big smile."
break throughInseparable
To overcome a barrier, obstacle, or difficult period; to force your way past something.
"After months of practice, she finally broke through and mastered the technique."
break offSeparable
To end or stop something suddenly; to snap a piece from something.
"Negotiations broke off without an agreement." / "He broke off a piece of chocolate and shared it."
break awayIntransitive
To escape from a situation or group; to separate yourself from old habits or influences.
"She broke away from the group and started her own business."
break evenIntransitive
To make neither a profit nor a loss — to cover your costs exactly.
"In the first year, the restaurant barely broke even."
break freeIntransitive
To escape from a constraint, habit, or limiting situation; to become free from something that holds you back.
"It took courage to break free from the routine that was making her unhappy."
📖 Breaking Through
Marcos had been going through a very difficult year. His relationship had broken up after three years. His car had broken down on the highway — twice. And his small business had barely managed to break even for months. He felt stuck.
One night, sitting alone in his apartment, something changed. A fire of determination broke out inside him — not of despair, but of purpose. He was tired of feeling trapped. He needed to break free from the fear that had been holding him back.
He broke away from a group of friends who never encouraged him and started surrounding himself with people who believed in him. He went back to studying. Some days, when progress felt impossible, he nearly broke down from the frustration. But he didn't stop.
Slowly, Marcos broke through the mental barriers he had built over years of self-doubt. A business deal that had broken off months ago was suddenly renewed. A competitor broke into his market, but Marcos was ready — he had worked too hard to be stopped now.
"Don't let fear break in on your plans," Marcos later told a friend. "You have to keep going."
