sprung apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sprung apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has suddenly or forcefully separated or come undone. Example: "The old bridge finally gave way, and the sections of the structure sprang apart with a loud crash."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But, he said, one of the officers repeatedly told an uncooperative Mr. Diggs to "give me your hands," before a shot rang out and the three men sprung apart.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And then, as they sprang apart, there were two.

The Guardian - Opinion

Forced connection is certainly part of rhyme's effect, an intimacy that may spring apart at any moment, leaving the participants simply crowded and dishevelled.

The Guardian - Books

Then the drumming grew livelier, and heads and butts sprang apart, shimmying, harrumphing, and flailing in what resembled a riotous ritual dance.

The New Yorker

I knew that I would find them together on the bed; I knew that I would be stunned; I knew that they would spring apart and wipe their mouths.

The New Yorker

Ms. Ortiz and the dancer Shane Mercado walk forward, hips swinging, arms akimbo, only to spring apart suddenly and do back flips in opposite directions, all to an electric, jazzy rhythm.

The New York Times - Arts

In a right-handed octasome, these surfaces would face away from one another, so would be unable to prevent the particle from springing apart.

Chromosoma

Then let it spring apart again; it's now ready to use.

WikiHow

Next was the equally innovative StopGap (£19.99 for a 40m roll), thin V-shaped plastic that springs apart to stop draughts in floorboard gaps of 1-8mm.

The Guardian

Sara Mearns, who danced the second female solo role, can always be relied on to bring larger-than-life expansiveness to the stage, but here she also made small moments — a quick springing apart of the legs, an incline of the head — things of beauty in their sudden clarity and emphasis.

The New York Times - Arts

In speed, the quick movements were just relaxed enough for everything to fit solidly in place, to create a sense of comfortable regular motion that would very often come to a lift as it unwound toward the final cadence, like machinery springing apart to make a flower.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sprung apart" to vividly describe a sudden and forceful separation, particularly when something was previously held together or under tension. For example, "The tightly coiled spring sprung apart when released."

Common error

Avoid using "sprung apart" when you mean "spring up", which describes something emerging or arising. "Spring up" is often used for new businesses or ideas, whereas "sprung apart" describes separation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sprung apart" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe a sudden and forceful separation or disunion of components. Ludwig examples illustrate its descriptive power in action scenes and mechanical failures.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sprung apart" is a verb phrase used to describe a sudden and forceful separation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and our analysis shows it commonly appears in news, scientific, and wiki sources. When writing, it's crucial to differentiate "sprung apart" from "spring up", which carries a different meaning related to emergence rather than separation. Consider alternatives like ""split apart"" or "flew apart" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. As Ludwig's examples show, this phrase is versatile in depicting everything from mechanical failures to dramatic scenes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

split apart

A more literal and straightforward way to describe separation into pieces.

separated suddenly

Highlights the unexpected and swift nature of the division.

split open

Focuses on the action of something forcibly opening and dividing.

flew apart

Indicates a rapid and forceful separation, often with a sense of scattering.

burst asunder

Emphasizes a violent and sudden separation.

broke away

Suggests a deliberate or forceful detachment from something.

became detached

Describes a process where one thing is no longer connected to another.

came undone

Implies a loosening or dismantling, often due to wear or failure.

scattered

Implies a spreading out or dispersal after a separation.

parted ways

Used to define figurative separation. It doesn't describe things but people.

FAQs

What does "sprung apart" mean?

"Sprung apart" describes something that has suddenly and forcefully separated or come undone, often implying a release of tension.

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

You might say, "The old gate latch finally failed, and the gate "split apart"." This illustrates a sudden separation due to a failing mechanism.

What are some alternatives to "sprung apart"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "burst asunder", "flew apart", or "came undone".

Is it correct to say "sprang apart" instead of "sprung apart"?

While "sprang" is the past tense of "spring", "sprung" is the past participle and is correct in the phrase "sprung apart". "Sprang apart" might be used in some contexts but is less common and can sound archaic.