pull apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pull apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of separating or dividing something into pieces or parts. Example: "When the toy broke, the pieces began to pull apart, making it difficult to reassemble."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

("10. Pull apart the stories you like.

The New Yorker

I like food that you can pull apart.

Independent

Why would anyone pull apart a living lobster?

The New York Times

There are always forces which pull apart rather than unite.

Independent

Pull apart the tangled roots with a garden fork.

The New York Times

If we pull apart, going green will be more expensive".

The Guardian

We need to pull together, not pull apart".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

We present here the results of the first lithospheric-scale centrifuge models of pull-apart basins.

Tectonophysics

Custom fixtures applied pull-apart and four-point bending forces until implant failure.

Medical Engineering & Physics

We present a model for the origin, crustal architecture, and evolution of pull-apart basins.

Tectonophysics

We also found a strong relationship between simulated bone density and pull-apart force.

Medical Engineering & Physics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, use "pull apart" to illustrate a gentle separation. For more forceful separations, consider "tear apart" or "rip apart".

Common error

Avoid using "pull apart" in highly formal or technical writing when more precise terms like "disassemble" or "dismantle" would be more appropriate. Choose vocabulary that matches the formality level and precision required by the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "pull apart" functions primarily as a verb, indicating an action of separating something into pieces or components. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing both in literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

39%

News & Media

36%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "pull apart" is a versatile expression used to describe both physical and conceptual separation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, although its register shifts depending on the source, becoming more formal in scientific discussions. When writing, consider the context to choose the most appropriate alternative, such as "take apart" or "tear apart". While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "pull apart" in highly formal settings where terms like "disassemble" or "dismantle" might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take apart

A more general term for separating something into its components.

dismantle

Focuses on taking something apart systematically, often a machine or structure.

disassemble

Similar to dismantle, but can also apply to abstract concepts.

tear apart

Suggests a violent or forceful separation, often causing damage.

break up

Implies a more forceful or destructive separation.

detach

Emphasizes the removal of something from a larger entity.

separate

A broad term for dividing or distinguishing elements.

split

Implies dividing something along a natural line or seam.

divide

Highlights the act of splitting something into portions or groups.

खंडन करना (khandan karna)

This is a Hindi term that can mean to refute or dissect a concept, similar to pulling apart an argument.

FAQs

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

The phrase "pull apart" can describe physically separating an object (e.g., "The bread was so soft you could pull it apart with your fingers") or critically analyzing an idea (e.g., "The critic began to pull apart the movie's plot").

What's the difference between "pull apart" and "take apart"?

"Pull apart" often implies a less structured or more informal separation, while "take apart" suggests a more deliberate and methodical process, such as disassembling machinery.

When is it better to use "tear apart" instead of "pull apart"?

Use "tear apart" when you want to convey a sense of force, violence, or destruction in the separation, while "pull apart" is generally gentler.

What are some alternatives to "pull apart" when discussing abstract concepts?

When discussing ideas, consider alternatives like "deconstruct", "dissect", or critically "analyze" instead of "pull apart" for a more academic tone.