Quick Definition
Break Up — To end a romantic relationship; to separate something into pieces; (of a group) to disperse.
Meanings of Break Up
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| End a relationship | They broke up after three years together. | The couple ended their relationship. |
| Separate into pieces | Break up the chocolate before melting it. | Divide it into smaller parts. |
| Disperse (crowd/meeting) | The police broke up the demonstration. | They forced the group to scatter. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| They broke up after three years together. | The couple ended their relationship. |
| Break up the chocolate before melting it. | Divide it into smaller parts. |
| The police broke up the demonstration. | They forced the group to scatter. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll break up it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: separable / intransitive | Transitivity: transitive / intransitive
Intransitive for relationships (They broke up). Separable and transitive for physical objects (break it up). Inseparable when used about groups (break up the meeting).
How to Use Break Up
Informal/neutral. Common in everyday speech for relationships. The crowd/meeting sense appears in news reporting too.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | They broke up after three years together. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Break Up
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Break Up
What does "Break Up" mean?
"Break Up" means: To end a romantic relationship; to separate something into pieces; (of a group) to disperse. It is a transitive / intransitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Break Up" separable or inseparable?
"Break Up" is separable / intransitive. Intransitive for relationships (They broke up). Separable and transitive for physical objects (break it up). Inseparable when used about groups (break up the meeting).
How do I use "Break Up" in a sentence?
They broke up after three years together. -- in this example, 'Break Up' means the couple ended their relationship.
What is the register of "Break Up"?
Informal/neutral. Common in everyday speech for relationships. The crowd/meeting sense appears in news reporting too.
What CEFR level is "Break Up"?
"Break Up" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in informal/neutral contexts.
What is the difference between "Break Up" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Break Up" specifically means: To end a romantic relationship; to separate something into pieces; (of a group) to disperse. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Break Up" be used formally?
Informal/neutral. Common in everyday speech for relationships. The crowd/meeting sense appears in news reporting too. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Break Up" take an object?
"Break Up" is transitive / intransitive. Intransitive for relationships (They broke up). Separable and transitive for physical objects (break it up). Inseparable when used about groups (break up the meeting).
How can I practise "Break Up"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Break Up' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Break Up" used in British or American English?
"Break Up" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Informal/neutral. Common in everyday speech for relationships. The crowd/meeting sense appears in news reporting too.