took apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of disassembling or separating the components of an object or system. Example: "He took apart the old radio to see what was wrong with it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

DJ Reset, took apart a song.

The New Yorker

One by one, Mr. Miller took apart the governor's plans.

The New York Times

Then the writer took apart their most-hated colleagues.

The Guardian - Money

Afrojack was an introverted child who excelled at math and took apart computers for fun.

The New Yorker

They took apart the Kansas City Chiefs, whom I had adopted, in Super Bowl I.

The New York Times - Sports

Humphreys had electronic devices that he took apart and reassembled into things that made noise.

The New York Times - Magazine

And when I took apart the bicycle, the mechanical world served as the demanding arbiter.

The New York Times - Arts

A couple stood watching as the shop owner took apart a DVD player.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It needs taking apart.

The New Yorker

The store was taken apart.

The New York Times

Taken apart, there were still lovely things.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a detailed process of deconstruction or analysis, use "took apart" to emphasize the thoroughness of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "tore apart" when "took apart" is more appropriate to describe something that was disassembled rather than violently ripped or broken. "Tore apart" implies force or destruction, while "took apart" suggests a more methodical separation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took apart" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It describes the action of separating an object into its component pieces or, metaphorically, analyzing something in detail, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took apart" is a versatile phrasal verb frequently used to describe both physical disassembly and detailed analysis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, "took apart" effectively conveys the process of deconstructing an object or idea for better understanding. When used, remember that "took apart" is best for indicating a methodical and thorough process, and be careful not to confuse it with "tore apart", which suggests violence or destruction. Related alternatives include "disassembled" and "dismantled".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disassembled

Implies a systematic deconstruction, often with the intent to rebuild or analyze.

dismantled

Suggests a more forceful or destructive process of taking something to pieces.

pulled to pieces

Highlights the act of separating an entity in a more dramatic sense, but still refers to some sort of disassembly.

deconstructed

Often used in abstract contexts to mean analyzing and breaking down complex ideas.

separated into components

A formal way to describe the process of dividing something into distinct parts.

broke down

A more general term for separating something into its constituent parts.

analyzed meticulously

Focuses on the thorough examination of something, breaking it down mentally rather than physically.

cracked open

A more informal, sometimes forceful way to express accessing inner workings or understanding.

demolished

Suggests complete destruction and disintegration.

shredded

Implies tearing something into small pieces.

FAQs

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

You can use "took apart" to describe the action of disassembling something, either physically or conceptually. For example, "He took apart the engine to find the problem" or "The analyst took apart the argument piece by piece".

What are some alternatives to using "took apart"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "disassembled", "dismantled", or "deconstructed".

When should I use "took apart" versus "tore apart"?

"Took apart" implies a careful or methodical disassembly, while "tore apart" suggests a violent or destructive action. Choose based on the intended meaning and context.

Is "taken apart" the same as "took apart"?

"Taken apart" is the past participle form, often used in passive constructions or perfect tenses (e.g., "The machine had been taken apart"). "Took apart" is the simple past tense (e.g., "He took apart the machine").