come apart

USAGE SUMMARY

"come apart" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation when something breaks into pieces, detaches, or separates into components. Example: The chair had started to come apart after years of wear and tear.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They don't come apart".

The New York Times

So much had come apart so quickly.

The New York Times

This bargain is beginning to come apart.

The New Yorker

"See, they come apart," Amanda told Nathaniel.

The New Yorker

People watched their whole community come apart".

The New York Times

Jimmy begins to come apart.

The New York Times

But things quickly come apart.

The New York Times

Other fits have come apart.

The New York Times - Sports

The fruit will come apart very easily.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

N14053 had come apart in midair.

The New York Times

I saw the house just come apart".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "come apart" to describe emotional distress, ensure the context clearly indicates a metaphorical, rather than literal, breakdown.

Common error

Avoid using "come apart" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise synonyms like "disintegrate" or "separate" for enhanced clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "come apart" is as an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating separation or disintegration. Ludwig AI indicates it adheres to standard grammar rules. Examples show both physical separation ("the jigsaw puzzle will come apart") and metaphorical breakdown ("the case against the Winfreys began to come apart").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "come apart" is a versatile phrasal verb primarily used to describe separation, disintegration, or failure, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions grammatically as an intransitive phrasal verb and serves the communicative purpose of illustrating a breakdown, whether physical or metaphorical. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it enjoys a neutral to slightly informal register. When writing, it's best to use more specific and complex wording for professional registers and be sure of the context when talking about emotional distress. Ultimately, the Ludwig examples and analysis affirm "come apart's" place as a common and acceptable phrase in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall apart at the seams

Highlights a breakdown due to inherent weaknesses or poor construction.

fall to pieces

Focuses on the disintegration of something into smaller, non-functional components.

disintegrate

Emphasizes the process of gradual decay and separation into constituent elements.

crumble

Suggests a collapse or breakdown, often associated with structures or systems.

collapse

Indicates a sudden failure or loss of structural integrity.

break down

Implies a functional failure, whether physical or metaphorical.

fracture

Indicates a sudden and often violent separation or breakage.

dissolve

Describes a gradual disappearance or disintegration, often in a liquid.

separate

General term for things ceasing to be joined or united.

disunite

Emphasizes the loss of unity or cohesion among previously connected elements.

FAQs

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

"Come apart" is a phrasal verb used to describe something that separates into pieces or ceases to function effectively. For example: "The old book started to come apart after years of use."

What are some synonyms for "come apart"?

Alternatives to "come apart" include "fall to pieces", "disintegrate", or "break down". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "came apart" or "come apart"?

Both are correct, depending on the tense. "Came apart" is the past tense (e.g., "The toy came apart yesterday"), while "come apart" is the present tense or past participle (e.g., "The toy will come apart if you pull it" or "The toy has come apart").

What's the difference between "fall apart" and "come apart"?

While similar, "fall apart" often implies a more sudden or dramatic disintegration, whereas "come apart" can suggest a more gradual separation. Context determines the most appropriate choice. For example: "The building might "fall apart" during an earthquake" versus "The seams on the old shirt began to "come apart"."