fall asunder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fall asunder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that breaks apart or collapses, often in a dramatic or catastrophic manner. Example: "After years of neglect, the old building began to fall asunder, leaving only a pile of rubble behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Much has been made of the fact that, when the shadow cabinet began to fall asunder, last weekend, Watson was nowhere to be found; eventually, he was found, at the Glastonbury music festival, in southwest England.

The New Yorker

First, as the so-called 'problem of identical particles' indicates, in the microphysical domain individuation and countability fall asunder, which calls for an ontology of 'subject-less' processes that are the features by which we individuate quantum-physical entities, but occur in countable units only relative to interaction context.

SEP

First, the cold friction of expiring sense Without enchantment, offering no promise But bitter tastelessness of shadow fruit As body and soul begin to fall asunder.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At funerals, petty jealousies fall asunder.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

When beauth breaks and falls asunder.

The New Yorker

By Louise Bogan The New Yorker, May 24 , 1930 P. 28When beauth breaks and falls asunder View Article By Rivka Galchen By Ceridwen Dovey By Larissa MacFarquhar By Jia Tolentino.

The New Yorker

The bird itself seems to be falling, breaking asunder into bits of itself, even as we stare at it, as if, when it hits ground, it will be nothing but a tumble of spiky spars and a pother of wind-blown feathers.

Independent

"If the '79 agreement goes asunder, everything falls apart.

The New York Times

A wholeness torn asunder, then, a fall away from origins.

The New York Times - Books

A curtain had fallen, my holy of holies was rent asunder, and new gods had to be installed.

The Guardian - Books

The Jordan River was split asunder, the walls of Jericho fell at Israel's shout, the enemy was seized with divinely inspired terror, and the sun stood still in order to enable Israel to exploit its victory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fall asunder" to evoke a sense of dramatic disintegration or collapse, particularly when referring to systems, relationships, or abstract concepts. This phrase is more impactful than a simple "break apart".

Common error

Avoid using "fall asunder" in everyday situations where simpler phrases like "fall apart" or "break down" would suffice. The phrase carries a weight and formality that can sound out of place in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fall asunder" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used intransitively to describe the action of something breaking apart or disintegrating. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing the dissolution of both tangible and intangible entities.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fall asunder" is a grammatically correct but relatively uncommon way to describe something breaking apart or collapsing. As Ludwig confirms, its usage is mostly found in more formal and literary contexts, such as news articles, encyclopedias, and academic writing. While it can be used to add a sense of drama or severity to a description, it's best to avoid overusing it in casual settings where simpler alternatives like "fall apart" would be more appropriate. The phrase is typically used intransitively. It's a good choice for describing the disintegration of systems, relationships, or other abstract concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break apart

Focuses on the action of separating into pieces, losing the nuance of a more dramatic or sudden collapse.

fall to pieces

Emphasizes the state of being broken or fragmented after disintegration.

crumble

Suggests a gradual disintegration or decay, often associated with physical objects.

disintegrate

Implies a complete breakdown into constituent parts, often used in scientific contexts.

collapse

Highlights the sudden failure or loss of structure, without necessarily implying fragmentation.

come undone

Focuses on something that was previously joined or fastened becoming separated.

fragment

Describes the process of breaking into smaller pieces or fragments.

dissolve

Suggests a gradual disappearance or fading away, often used metaphorically.

rupture

Implies a forceful break or tear, often suggesting damage or injury.

shatter

Indicates a violent breaking into many small pieces, typically associated with fragile objects.

FAQs

What does "fall asunder" mean?

The phrase "fall asunder" means to break apart, disintegrate, or collapse, often in a sudden or dramatic way. It suggests a loss of cohesion or unity.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "fall asunder"?

It's appropriate to use "fall asunder" when describing a significant or dramatic breakdown, such as a political alliance, a relationship, or a complex system. It's less suitable for everyday situations where things simply "fall apart".

What are some alternatives to "fall asunder"?

Some alternatives to "fall asunder" include "break apart", "disintegrate", "collapse", or "come undone". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "fall asunder" a common phrase in modern English?

While grammatically correct, "fall asunder" is not as commonly used as alternatives like "fall apart". Its usage tends to be more formal or literary. Modern usage is rare.