What Does "break through" Mean?
- The phrasal verb "break through" primarily means to overcome an obstacle, penetrate a barrier, or achieve a significant advancement or success, especially after facing difficulties. It can also refer to making something known or understood.
- The meaning is semi-idiomatic. While "break" retains its sense of forceful separation, "through" adds the dimension of passing completely from one side to another, or achieving a result despite opposition.
- The register is generally neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although the specific tone can vary depending on the subject matter.
How to Use It
- Grammatically, "break through" functions as an intransitive phrasal verb (no direct object needed: Something has to break through) or a transitive phrasal verb (taking a direct object: We will break through the troops). It can also be used as a noun, often hyphenated as "break-through" (This is your break-through moment).
- Typical objects include physical barriers (e.g., a wall, defenses) or abstract obstacles (e.g., resistance, limitations, silence).
- The components of the phrasal verb "break through" are generally inseparable when used in the active voice. You would not typically insert words between "break" and "through."
- It sounds unnatural to use an incorrect preposition (e.g., "break into" instead of "break through") or to use the verb with an object that doesn't logically relate to overcoming an obstacle.
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from break through on Ludwig.guru.
"Finland cannot break through!" — The New York Times
""It's easier to break through now." — The New York Times
""We couldn't break through," he said." — The New York Times
"This is your break-through moment." — Huffington Post
"We will break through the troops"." — Independent
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/break+through
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| overcome |
A more formal and general term for conquering difficulties. |
| surmount |
Similar to overcome, but often implies a greater effort or challenge. |
| make progress |
Focuses on advancement and forward movement, less about overcoming barriers. |
| achieve a breakthrough |
More emphatic; uses "breakthrough" as a noun, highlighting the result. |
| penetrate |
Specifically refers to entering or passing through something, often a physical barrier. |
| advance |
Focuses on moving forward, especially in a strategic or military context. |
| succeed |
A general term for achieving a desired outcome. |
Common Mistakes
- Using the wrong preposition is a common error. For example, saying "break into" (meaning to enter illegally) or "break down" (meaning to stop functioning) instead of "break through."
- Using "break through" with an object that doesn't represent a barrier or obstacle sounds unnatural. For example, "break through the silence" works, but "break through the table" (unless the table is a literal barrier) does not.
- Confusing the phrasal verb with the noun form, "breakthrough," can lead to grammatical errors. Remember that the phrasal verb requires both words ("break through"), while the noun is often hyphenated ("break-through").
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Meaning |
Grammatical Pattern |
Register |
| break through |
To overcome an obstacle or achieve a significant advancement. |
Verb + Particle (phrasal verb) |
Neutral |
FAQs
Can the parts of "break through" be separated?
No, the parts of the phrasal verb "break through" are generally inseparable in the active voice. You typically wouldn't insert words between "break" and "through" when using it as a verb. For example, "We will break through the troops" is correct, but "We will break quickly through the troops" sounds awkward.
What's the difference between "break through" and "succeed"?
While both imply a positive outcome, "break through" specifically suggests overcoming a significant obstacle or barrier to achieve that outcome. "Succeed" is a more general term for achieving a desired result, without necessarily implying a struggle against a specific impediment. You might say someone succeeded in getting a job, but they broke through the competition to get it.
How do I avoid confusing "break through" with other similar phrases?
A common mistake is confusing it with similar-sounding phrases or using the wrong preposition, such as "break into" or "break down", which have different meanings. Remember that "break through" means to overcome an obstacle, while "break into" means to enter illegally, and "break down" can mean to stop functioning or to become emotionally overwhelmed. Paying attention to the context is key to choosing the correct phrase.