chain apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chain apart" is not a standard expression in written English and may not be widely recognized.
It could potentially be used in contexts discussing separation or disconnection, but clarity may be lacking without additional context. Example: "The sudden change in management caused the team to chain apart, losing their cohesion and collaboration."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He and his girlfriend were looking at rings together at a branch of the Polish jewelry chain Apart, which designs and produces its jewelry in and around Poznan and sells it in 180 stores across Poland.

The New York Times

"I am particularly upset as the chain, apart from its monetary value, is an important civic symbol of our borough and therefore, of course, unique.

BBC

Barnes & Noble's retail stores do sell the Nook, but that's not what Klipper points to as setting the chain apart.

Los Angeles Times

Those double bonds are more susceptible than the single bonds to the second catalyst (made of rhenium, aluminum and oxygen), which uses this weak spot to help break the long chain apart.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Organic inorganic interactions between PANI and SiO2 involved in electro-co-polymerization process pushed the polymer chains apart and so facilitated the 1D growth of the polymer.

Electrochimica Acta

"That forced the polymer chains apart and increased the permeability" of the membrane, Freeman says.

Science Magazine

No major coffee chains apart from Starbucks have announced plans yet to charge customers for their disposable cups.

BBC

Inside the female, a different protein breaks the chains apart, releasing the sperm to go egg-hunting.

Science Magazine

As a result, the micellization was not attained due to the electrostatic repulsion forces between the ionic amine groups on the outer shells which kept polymer chains apart and prevented micellization.

Progress in Biomaterials

It has been speculated that phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibits the aggregation of Aβ peptide by interacting with the peptide and keeping the two peptide chains apart.

BMC Genomics

Evolution has evidently selected for protein structures that keep reactive side chains apart, or limit their reactivity probably to reduce the potential for proteins to fold into the wrong shapes.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chain apart", ensure the context clearly indicates the separation or disintegration of something that was previously linked or connected. This phrase works best when emphasizing the breaking of a sequence or interconnected system.

Common error

Avoid using "chain apart" in situations where a simpler term like "separate" or "break" would be more direct and easily understood. Overusing this phrase can lead to confusion if the linkage isn't obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chain apart" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing the action of something linked or connected breaking or separating. It is often used to convey disruption or disintegration of a sequence or system. As Ludwig AI mentions, the phrase implies separation or disconnection.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chain apart" is used to describe something linked breaking or separating. Ludwig AI notes it implies separation or disconnection, although it's not a standard idiom. Grammatically acceptable but rare, it appears across news, science, and wiki sources. For clarity, ensure the context highlights the disrupted connection when using this phrase. Alternatives like "break apart" or "fall apart" may offer simpler and more direct communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break apart

Focuses on the action of something being broken into separate pieces.

fall apart

Emphasizes disintegration or failure to remain intact.

separate

Highlights the act of causing things or people to become or remain physically divided.

detach

Focuses on disconnecting or removing something.

disengage

Implies releasing from something that holds fast or interlocks.

set apart

Emphasizes making something distinct or different.

split up

Implies dividing into separate groups or parts.

come undone

Suggests something unraveling or becoming unsecured.

become disconnected

Highlights the state of being no longer linked or connected.

diverge

Indicates moving in different directions from a common point.

FAQs

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

You can use "chain apart" to describe the breaking or separation of a linked sequence, such as in the sentence, "The supply "chain fell apart" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What does "chain apart" mean?

"Chain apart" suggests that something linked or interconnected has broken or separated. It implies a disruption in a sequence or system.

Are there alternatives to the phrase "chain apart"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "break apart", "fall apart", or "separate" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "chain apart"?

While not a standard idiom, "chain apart" is grammatically acceptable when used to describe the separation of something linked. Ludwig AI indicates it can be used to discuss separation, but clarity is required.