Meaning trap
break in
interrupt
to interrupt someone while they are speaking or doing something.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to interrupt someone while they are speaking or doing something.
Another meaning of 'break in' is 'enter illegally'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- Sorry to break in, but I have something important to add.communication
- In group discussions, it’s important not to break in when someone else is speaking, as it can seem rude.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: break in (on someone/something)
WrongSorry to break in your conversation.
RightSorry to break in on your conversation.
'Break IN ON' a conversation; without 'on' it sounds like the burglary sense.
Patternbreak in (on someone/something)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Break in' is the natural verb for cutting into someone's speech; 'interject' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
break in (on)onsuddenlyto saywith a question
Don't confuse it
This sense is about interrupting, not entering a place.
Related
- break in (enter illegally) — Another meaning of 'break in' is 'enter illegally'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.