Phrasal Verbs Beginning with B

break down

(intransitive) to stop functioning

John had to learn to become a good mechanic as his car was always breaking down.

break in

(intransitive) to forcibly enter a building

Max called the police when he thought he heard someone breaking in.

break in

(separable) to work or repeatedly use something so that it becomes comfortable or easily usable

Max's shoes hurt him as he had not yet broke them in.

break into

(inseparable) to forcibly enter

Mary broke into the car to steal the stereo.

break out

(intransitive) to suddenly develop or erupt

A riot broke out in Los Angeles today.

break up

(separable) to cause to disperse or scatter

What time did the cops break the party up last night?

break up (with)

(separable) to end a relationship

Have Tom and Mary broken up yet? I'm thinking about asking Mary out on a date. The Beatles broke up a long time ago. Some people say that Yoko broke the band up. I'm going to break up with Mary. she bores me.

bring about

(inseparable) to make happen

Max's new girlfriend brought about some positive changes in his behavior.

bring around

(separable) to persuade, to cause to some on to do something through persuasion

Mary's passionate speech brought Max around to donating to her organization.

bring around

(separable) to guide someone or convey something

I will bring the new intern around the office when she gets here.

bring down

(separable) to cause to fall

Michael Moore is hoping to bring the Bush administration down.

bring forth

(separable) to produce or give rise to

The eager new intern brought forth many new ideas on how to run the company.

bring in

(separable) to earn money

Jill hates her new job, but she's bringing in a lot of money.

bring in

(separable) to reach a verdict

The judge declared a mistrial because the jury could not bring in a verdict.

bring in

(separable) to arrest someone; to bring someone to the police station (usually for questioning)

The police brought Max in for robbing the bank.

bring on

(separable) to cause to appear

Bring on the birthday cake!

bring up

(separable) to mention

When talking to Mary, Max never brings up her criminal record.

bring up

(separable) to raise or rear

Mowgli was a boy brought up by wolves.

brush up on

(intransitive) to practice; to improve your skill or knowledge

Max went back to school to brush up on mathematics.

burn down

(separable) to destroy by fire

Please don't smoke in bed for you may burn the house down.

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