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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Fall apart
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "Fall apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is breaking down, failing, or disintegrating, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "After years of neglect, the old house began to fall apart, with the roof caving in and the walls cracking."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
Fall apart.
News & Media
Players fall apart.
News & Media
They fall apart!
News & Media
It may fall apart.
News & Media
Everything would fall apart".
News & Media
Detroit will fall apart.
News & Media
Things fall apart.
News & Media
Charleston began to fall apart.
News & Media
The Coalition won't fall apart.
News & Media
She won't fall apart.
News & Media
Or would it all fall apart?
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "fall apart" to describe processes, relationships, or physical objects that are losing integrity or ceasing to function effectively. For instance: "Their relationship began to fall apart after years of misunderstanding."
Common error
While acceptable in many situations, consider more formal alternatives like "deteriorate" or "disintegrate" in academic or professional writing to maintain a higher level of formality.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "fall apart" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It describes a process of disintegration, failure, or emotional collapse. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.
Frequent in
News & Media
78%
Wiki
12%
Science
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrasal verb "fall apart" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe processes of disintegration, failure, or emotional collapse. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. While generally neutral in register, consider more formal alternatives in specific academic or professional contexts. Its frequent presence in news media, coupled with instances in wiki and scientific sources, underscores its broad applicability and general understanding.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Disintegrate
Focuses on the process of something breaking down into smaller parts or losing cohesion.
Crumble
Implies a gradual decay or collapse, often used for structures or systems.
Break down
Can refer to both physical and emotional collapse, but often suggests a more sudden failure.
Come undone
Suggests something that was previously fastened or organized becoming loose or disordered.
Collapse
Indicates a sudden and complete failure or loss of structure.
Go to pieces
Primarily refers to emotional or mental breakdown.
Fall to pieces
Similar to 'go to pieces' but can also refer to physical objects.
Decompose
Implies organic matter rotting or decaying.
Deteriorate
Indicates a decline in quality or condition over time.
Decline
Similar to 'deteriorate', specifically showing a slow loss of value or strength.
FAQs
How can I use "fall apart" in a sentence?
You can use "fall apart" to describe something physically breaking down, such as "The old book began to fall apart after years of use", or to describe a situation or relationship failing, such as "Their business partnership started to fall apart due to disagreements".
What are some synonyms for "fall apart"?
Alternatives to "fall apart" include "disintegrate", "crumble", "break down", or "collapse", depending on the specific context.
Is it correct to use "fall apart" in formal writing?
While generally acceptable, using "fall apart" in very formal writing may be less suitable. Consider more formal synonyms such as "deteriorate" or "disintegrate" in such contexts.
What's the difference between "fall apart" and "break down"?
"Fall apart" often implies a gradual disintegration or failure, while "break down" can suggest a more sudden or complete failure. For example, a car might "break down", but a long-term relationship might "fall apart".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested