disassemble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disassemble" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to taking something apart, especially in a mechanical or technical context. Example: "I need to disassemble the engine to fix the issue." Alternative expressions include "take apart" and "dismantle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Split into Army, Navy and Air Force branches, the CCF teaches teenagers map-reading, marching and how to disassemble and clean a rifle (usually a single-shot version of the SA80 assault rifle used by the army).

The Economist

"Attention: training of how to assemble and disassemble weapons on floor five".

The Economist

The structure, he says, is still a work in progress; Cisco still has to work out, for instance, how best to assemble and disassemble teams.

The Economist

To avoid such threats, Pakistani engineers laboriously disassemble foreign components and replicate them.Wesley Clark, a retired general who once headed NATO's forces, says that "rampant" fears of kill switches make American-backed defence co-operation agreements a harder sell.

The Economist

In short, if there is one person tough and unsentimental enough to disassemble Yahoo!, sell parts of it to Microsoft and merge others with some media company, it is Carol Bartz.

The Economist

When a part breaks on an advanced machine overseas, Kyocera's Japanese engineers disassemble and repair it in privacy, so that none of the local workers can take a good look.In some cases, Japanese firms even sacrifice some short-run economic gain, safeguarding their secrets by using humans where machines and software would be more efficient.

The Economist

They found that it supported an idea proposed in the 19th century that anthocyanins shade the photosynthetic apparatus of the leaf from excess light.Dr Hoch's team extended this idea, arguing that as a plant starts to disassemble its light-gathering apparatus in preparation for winter, its leaves become particularly sensitive to light damage.

The Economist

The ultimate goal is to disassemble the sarcophagus and then cut up and dispose of the remains of the reactor.

The Economist

They disassemble sugar molecules and turn the energy thus liberated into a form that biochemical machinery can use.

The Economist

Those wishing to continue had to abandon or disassemble their wagons and load their possessions onto self-made rafts or rented boats.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In inertial confinement no attempt is made to confine the plasma beyond the time it takes the plasma to disassemble.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions or technical documentation, use "disassemble" to clearly indicate the process of taking something apart in a structured manner.

Common error

Avoid using "disassemble" when a simpler term like "take apart" or "break down" suffices, especially in non-technical contexts. Overusing technical jargon can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disassemble" is as a verb, indicating the action of taking something apart. Ludwig examples show it used in both transitive ("…disassemble the rifle…") and intransitive ("…the plasma to disassemble…") forms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disassemble" is a versatile verb meaning to take something apart. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical status and frequent usage, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While often neutral to formal, it's essential to consider the context and audience to ensure clarity. Related phrases include "take apart" and "dismantle", offering nuanced alternatives. When using "disassemble", avoid overly technical jargon in non-technical contexts. Pay attention to the instructions and technical documentation to better understand the process. Considering its varied applications and contexts, mastering the use of "disassemble" enhances effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Take apart

Focuses on the physical action of separating components.

Take to pieces

Emphasizes the complete separation of all components.

Dismantle

Suggests a more systematic and structured process of taking apart.

Break down

Implies both physical separation and conceptual analysis.

Break up

Suggests a less orderly or controlled separation.

Separate into components

Highlights the division into individual parts.

Deconstruct

Often used in abstract contexts, meaning to analyze and break down a concept or idea.

Tear down

Implies a more forceful or destructive process of disassembly.

Unbuild

Reverse the process of building something.

Decompose

Relates more to organic matter breaking down.

FAQs

How to use "disassemble" in a sentence?

You can use "disassemble" to describe the act of taking something apart, such as "I need to disassemble the computer to replace the hard drive" or "The engineers will disassemble the machine for maintenance".

What can I say instead of "disassemble"?

You can use alternatives like "take apart", "dismantle", or "break down" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "disassemble" or "reassemble"?

"Disassemble" means to take apart, while "reassemble" means to put back together. They are antonyms and both are correct depending on the action you are describing.

What's the difference between "disassemble" and "dismantle"?

While both words mean to take something apart, "dismantle" often implies a more systematic and structured process, whereas "disassemble" can be a more general term. Choose "dismantle" when referring to taking apart something complex or organized.