falls apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "falls apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is breaking down, failing, or losing cohesion, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "After years of hard work, the project suddenly falls apart due to lack of funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who promptly falls apart.

The New York Times - Books

Their marriage falls apart.

The Economist

Then the band falls apart.

The New York Times - Books

The EU falls apart.

The Guardian - Opinion

One falls apart.

The New York Times - Arts

"Then it falls apart".

The New York Times

"It falls apart now.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The old algorithm falls apart.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And then everything falls apart.

The Guardian - Books

The image just falls apart.

The Washington Post

Men wear underwear until it falls apart.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "falls apart" to describe a process where something loses its structure, integrity, or functionality, either literally or figuratively. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is experiencing this disintegration.

Common error

While "falls apart" is widely understood, it might sound too informal in certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "disintegrates", "collapses", or "decomposes" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falls apart" functions as a verb phrase, often acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the process of something disintegrating, failing, or losing cohesion, as demonstrated by Ludwig in examples like "Their marriage falls apart" or "The EU falls apart".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "falls apart" is a versatile and common verb phrase used to describe the disintegration or failure of something, whether physically or metaphorically. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic writing. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of breakdown or loss of integrity, as demonstrated in numerous examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

breaks down

A more general term for ceasing to function or maintain its integrity.

falls to pieces

Emphasizes the complete disintegration into separate parts.

collapses

Indicates a sudden failure or loss of structure, often with a sense of force or impact.

comes undone

Suggests a loosening or unraveling of something that was previously joined or connected.

disintegrates

Implies a breaking down into smaller components, often suggesting a gradual process.

shatters

Indicates a violent breaking into many fragments, often with a sense of force or impact.

crumbles

Suggests a breaking into small fragments, often with a sense of weakness or decay.

dissolves

Implies a fading away or disappearing, often in a metaphorical sense.

fails

A broad term for not succeeding or functioning as intended.

degenerates

Suggests a decline into a lower or worse state, often over time.

FAQs

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

"Falls apart" can be used to describe a physical object breaking or a plan failing. For example, "The old building "falls apart" from neglect" or "Their business deal "falls apart" due to disagreements".

What can I say instead of "falls apart"?

You can use alternatives like "disintegrates", "collapses", "breaks down", or "crumbles" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "everything falls apart"?

Yes, it's a correct and common expression. It's used to describe a situation where multiple aspects or plans fail simultaneously. For example, "After the scandal, everything "falls apart" for the company".

What's the difference between "falls apart" and "breaks down"?

"Falls apart" often implies a more complete disintegration or failure, while "breaks down" can refer to a temporary malfunction or a process ceasing to function. "The car breaks down" suggests it might be repairable, whereas "the sandcastle "falls apart"" suggests it's completely ruined.