Phrasal verb BREAK. Confusing words

Hello, guys!

In today’s lesson we’re going to look at phrasal verb BREAK and some confusing words.

So, take a break for a few minutes, and watch this lesson.

Phrasal verbs are very common in spoken and written English. So we need them to understand and speak natural English.

Phrasal verb is a verb followed by a preposition or an adverb; the combination creates a meaning different from the original verb.

In its primary meaning the phrasal verb “break” is translated as «ломать(ся), разбивать(ся)».

But if it is used with any of these prepositions: away, down, in, off, out, through, up it has a completely different meaning and some of them have more than one. Let’s consider some of them.

BREAK AWAY

to run away or escape from a person, situation or place.

The robber tried to break away from the police man but he did not escape.

BREAK DOWN

1. when a machine or vehicle stops working.

My car's broken down, so I came by taxi.

2. when a discussion or relationship is no longer successful.

Our plans broke down.

Their marriage broke down after only two years.

BREAK IN

1. to enter a building illegally, usually with the intention to steal something.

The thief broke in last night while we were out at the cinema.

2. to interrupt someone when they are talking or thinking.

Harry broke in, ‘I have to go now, I’m sorry’.

3. to make new clothes, especially shoes, comfortable by wearing them.

I can’t wait to break in my new boots, my feet are killing me!

BREAK INTO

1. to unexpectedly or suddenly begin to do something.

He broke into a run when he saw the dog.

2. to enter or open forcibly, usually to steal something.

She broke into his house through the bathroom window.

3. to start to spend funds, usually out of necessity

I had to break into my savings last month…again!

BREAK OFF

1. to suddenly stop speaking or doing something.

She broke off mid-sentence and began to cry.

2. to remove a piece of something from the main part.

She broke off a piece of chocolate and gave it to him.

I broke off a piece of my tooth.

BREAK OUT

1. If a fire, war, disease, etc breaks out, it starts suddenly.

A fight broke out among the two men.

2. to escape

According to news reports, a dangerous prisoner has broken out of jail today.

3. the sudden appearance of a physical discomfort such as a rash, sweating etc.

He saw her and instantly broke out in a sweat.

4. to open and start using.

Break out the champagne! I'm getting married!

BREAK THROUGH

to force your way through something that is preventing you from moving forward.

The protesters broke through the police barrier.

BREAK UP

1. to finish a relationship

He’s just broken up with his girlfriend

2. to break something into smaller pieces.

If we break the chocolate bars up, everyone can have a piece.

3. to close an educational institution for the holidays

We break up for the summer next week, I can’t wait!

4. to start to laugh uncontrollably.

He broke up with laughter in the middle of the exam.

The English language has a few words that appear so similar that it's hard to tell the difference.

In this part of our lesson, we will cover some of them.

invent / discover

Invent: to design or create something that has never existed before – изобретать.

We've invented a new game.

Discover: to be the first person to find something important – открывать, делать открытие.

Who discovered America?

research / experiment

Research: detailed study of a subject in order to discover new information – исследование.

They are doing research into the effects of passive smoking.

Experiment: a test, especially a scientific one, that you do in order to learn something or discover if something is true – эксперимент.

Students will carry out simple laboratory experiments.

electric / electronic

Electric lights, tools, etc work using electricity – электрический.

I paid the electric and water bill this week.

Electronic equipment consists of things such as computers, televisions, and radios – электронный.

The Internet is an electronic library.

engine / machine

Engine: the part of a vehicle that uses energy from oil, electricity, or steam to make it move – двигатель.

He got into the driving seat and started the engine.

Machine: a piece of equipment with moving parts that uses power to do a particular job – механизм, машина.

The washing machine is playing up again.

My younger brother is an eating machine.

access / download

Access: the right or opportunity to use or see something – доступ.

I don't have access to that kind of information.

Do you have Internet access?

Download: to copy computer programs, music or other information electronically using the Internet – загружать (информацию в компьютер).

He downloaded the files onto his computer.

effect / affect

Effect is a noun, meaning “a change, reaction, or result that is caused by something” – результат, следствие.

The operation was of no effect.

Computers have had a profound effect on our lives.

Affect is a verb meaning “to influence someone or something, or cause them to change” – влиять, затрагивать.

Global warming will affect all of us.

The oceans are affected by the moon.

offer / suggest

Offer: to ask someone if they would like something – предлагать.

They offered me a job.

Can I offer you something to drink?

Suggest: to express an idea or plan for someone to consider – предлагать, советовать.

I suggest that we park the car here and walk into town.

Can you suggest a good hotel?

That`s all for today.

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