break apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of separating something into pieces or components. Example: "When the pressure increased, the structure began to break apart, revealing its fragile nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But the government could also break apart.

The Economist

Empires rise, then break apart.

The Guardian

The molecular ion can subsequently break apart into smaller fragments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Brilliantine was used to break apart and set the hair.

The New York Times

If they break apart, just patch them together.

The New York Times

Germany's politicians are loth to break apart these "social partners".

The Economist

As Brahms's music rises, the dancers sometimes break apart.

The New York Times - Arts

And I felt my brain would break apart".

The New York Times - Magazine

The alternative is to let the euro-zone break apart and trade suffer across the Continent.

The New York Times

"What happens is, with a heavy snow load, it tends to break apart," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Dual color break-apart probes and KIF5B-RET fusion probes were used for FISH.

Lung Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process where something is intentionally taken apart, consider if "disassemble" might be a more precise alternative to "break apart".

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "break apart" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise verbs like "disintegrate" or "decompose" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Break apart functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It describes the action of something separating or disintegrating into smaller components. Ludwig provides examples of its usage in various contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "break apart" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe something separating into pieces or components. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is versatile and appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the specific context and choose more precise alternatives like "disintegrate" or "disassemble" for highly formal settings. Examples confirm its frequent use in describing physical and abstract separations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall apart

Focuses on the disintegration process, often implying a lack of cohesion before the separation.

come apart

Suggests a natural or easy separation, sometimes without significant force.

disintegrate

Implies a complete breakdown into smaller components or particles.

separate

A more general term for division, without necessarily implying damage or destruction.

crumble

Suggests a gradual breakdown into small pieces, often associated with dryness or fragility.

shatter

Implies a sudden and violent breaking into many pieces.

splinter

Suggests breaking into long, thin pieces, typically of wood or similar materials.

disassemble

Specifically refers to taking something apart piece by piece, often in a controlled manner.

fracture

Implies a break or crack, often used in a more technical or scientific context.

decompose

Implies a breakdown of organic matter through natural processes.

FAQs

How can I use "break apart" in a sentence?

"Break apart" is commonly used to describe something separating into pieces. For example, "The empire began to break apart due to internal conflicts."

What are some synonyms for "break apart"?

Alternatives to "break apart" include "fall apart", "come apart", or "disintegrate", depending on the context.

Is "break apart" a formal or informal expression?

"Break apart" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and many formal contexts. However, in certain formal settings, more precise alternatives might be preferred.

What's the difference between "break apart" and "break up"?

"Break apart" typically describes a physical separation into pieces. "Break up", however, often refers to ending a relationship or dispersing a group. The two phrases are not interchangeable. For example, "break up" a fight.