Meaning
“Break in on” means to interrupt someone or something suddenly, usually while they are talking, working, or in the middle of an activity. It often implies cutting into a conversation or action without being invited.
Grammar and Usage
- Part of speech: Phrasal verb
- Pattern: break in on + object (person/conversation/activity)
- It is transitive (needs an object).
- Common in both formal and informal English.
Example pattern:
- break in on someone = interrupt someone
- break in on a conversation = interrupt a conversation
Common Phrases
- break in on a meeting
- break in on a phone call
- break in on someone’s thoughts
- break in on a private conversation
Collocations
- suddenly break in on
- rudely break in on
- break in on the discussion
- break in on my work
Examples
- She hated it when her boss broke in on her conversations with clients.
- Please don’t break in on us while we’re discussing something important.
- He broke in on their meeting with urgent news.
- The teacher broke in on the students’ chatter to make an announcement.
- I didn’t want to break in on your thoughts, but I need to ask you something.
- The manager broke in on their argument to calm things down.
- Reporters often try to break in on celebrities’ private moments.
Synonyms or Related
- interrupt
- cut in on
- intrude on
- disturb
Antonym
- allow
- let continue
- leave undisturbed