falling apart

USAGE SUMMARY

"falling apart" is an appropriate phrase that can be used in written English.
For example: As the team got further into the project, they realized that their plan was slowly falling apart.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Afghanistan was falling apart.

The New Yorker

Things are falling apart.

The New York Times

It's falling apart.

The New Yorker

They were falling apart.

The New Yorker

It is falling apart.

The New York Times

It was falling apart.

The New York Times

Hers was falling apart".

The New York Times

Iraq was falling apart.

The New York Times

His world was falling apart.

The New York Times

The story is falling apart".

The New Yorker

Republicans are just falling apart.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "falling apart" to vividly describe the state of something physically deteriorating, like an old building, or metaphorically, like a relationship or a plan.

Common error

While "falling apart" is a common phrase, avoid overusing it in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "disintegrating" or "crumbling" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falling apart" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often acting as a predicate complement to describe a state of decline or disintegration. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage through numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "falling apart" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the process of deterioration or disintegration, both literally and figuratively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's essential to be mindful of overusing it and consider synonyms like "disintegrating" or "crumbling" for more formal or nuanced writing. Whether describing a collapsing building or a failing relationship, "falling apart" effectively conveys a sense of decline and failure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falling to pieces

This alternative highlights the fragmentation and disarray resulting from a breakdown.

disintegrating

This alternative emphasizes the process of something breaking down into smaller parts or losing its cohesion.

crumbling

This alternative suggests a gradual decline or decay, often associated with structures or systems.

collapsing

This alternative implies a sudden and complete failure or breakdown.

deteriorating

This alternative focuses on the gradual worsening of a condition or situation.

breaking down

This alternative is a more general term for ceasing to function properly.

coming undone

This alternative implies that something is unraveling or losing its structure.

going to rack and ruin

This alternative is an idiomatic expression suggesting a state of utter destruction or decay.

dissolving

This alternative suggests a gradual disappearance or fading away.

imploding

This alternative indicates a sudden and catastrophic collapse from within.

FAQs

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

You can use "falling apart" to describe something that is physically breaking down, such as, "The old house was "falling apart" after years of neglect". It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation or relationship that is failing.

What are some synonyms for "falling apart"?

Some synonyms for "falling apart" include "disintegrating", "crumbling", "collapsing", and "deteriorating". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "falling apart" in formal writing?

While "falling apart" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider using a more precise and sophisticated synonym like "deteriorating" or "disintegrating" to convey a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "falling apart" and "breaking down"?

"Falling apart" often implies a more visible or physical disintegration, while "breaking down" can refer to a functional failure or emotional distress. For example, a machine might be "breaking down", while an old building is "falling apart".