take apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'take apart' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is typically used to mean disassemble or break down a physical object into its component parts. You can use it to describe the process of taking something apart in order to fix it or examine it. For example, "I had to take the TV apart in order to fix the antenna."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He decided to take apart a pumpkin pie.

The New York Times - Food

Watch how I take apart these Democrats in the debate!

The New Yorker

No one should dare take apart this cooperation".

The New York Times

He'd take apart whatever you got for him".

The New Yorker

But is difficult to take apart machines you once repaired".

The New York Times

Another team will now take apart this remedial work.

The New York Times

He has the power and skill to take apart even England's excellent attack.

Independent

If the protesters' doubts are eased, he said, "we will take apart the stage and leave".

The New York Times

I think he's going to be easy for Obama to take apart.

The New Yorker

"You would never take apart a new Walkman to see how it worked.

The New York Times

"If he wanted to take apart the peace treaty, this is his opportunity," Mr. Indyk said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context: "take apart" can refer to physical disassembly or critical analysis. Ensure your meaning is clear.

Common error

Avoid using "take apart" when a more nuanced term like "analyze", "deconstruct", or "critique" would better convey your intended meaning in abstract discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "take apart" functions primarily as a verb indicating either a physical action of disassembling something or a critical analysis of an idea, argument, or creative work. Ludwig AI examples illustrate both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "take apart" is a versatile expression with two primary meanings: to disassemble something physically or to critically analyze something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While it appears frequently in general contexts like WikiHow, it also features in reputable news sources such as The New York Times and The New Yorker, suggesting a broad applicability. When writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, opting for more formal synonyms like "disassemble" or "deconstruct" in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dismantle

Focuses specifically on the physical act of taking something to pieces.

disassemble

Similar to 'dismantle', but often implies a more structured or planned process.

break down

Can refer to both physical disassembly and the analysis of an idea or argument.

deconstruct

Often used in academic or theoretical contexts to describe the analysis of a concept.

analyze

Emphasizes the process of detailed examination for understanding.

dissect

Implies a very detailed and methodical analysis, often used in scientific or medical contexts.

critique

Focuses on the act of evaluating something, often with the intention of finding faults.

demolish

Suggests a more forceful and destructive process of breaking something down.

invalidate

Targets the refutation of an idea or argument.

expose

Aims to reveal flaws, weaknesses, or hidden aspects of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "take apart" to describe the process of disassembling something, as in "I had to take the engine apart to fix it". It can also mean to critically analyze something, such as "The reviewer took the movie apart scene by scene".

What's a more formal alternative to "take apart"?

In formal contexts, consider using "disassemble", "dismantle", or "deconstruct" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "take apart" when referring to an argument?

Yes, "take apart" can be used figuratively to describe critically analyzing and refuting an argument. For instance, "The lawyer took apart the witness's testimony during cross-examination".

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

"Take apart" can refer to both physical disassembly and critical analysis. "Pick apart", on the other hand, typically refers to finding small faults or criticizing something in detail, often in a negative way.