Phrasal verbs "fall apart" vs "grow apart"

Differences between fall apart and grow apart

Fall apart means to break into pieces or to disintegrate, while grow apart means to become distant or less close in a relationship.

Meanings and Definitions: fall apart vs grow apart

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Fall apart

• 1. Break into pieces.

  The box FELL APART when I picked it up.

• 2. Become emotionally disturbed and unable to behave normally.

  He FELL APART when they sacked him.

Grow apart

• 1. Become distant, stop having a close relationship because time, distance, interests, etc, have changed.

  We used to be good friends at school but have since GROWN APART.

Usage Examples: fall apart, grow apart in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

fall apart

Example

The old chair will fall apart if you sit on it.

Example

The cake falls apart when you try to cut it.

grow apart

Example

My childhood friends and I have grown apart over the years.

Example

As they get older, it's natural that the group of friends grows apart.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fall apart

break down

To stop functioning or to fail completely.

Example

After years of use, the old car finally broke down on the highway.

crumble

To break into small pieces or to fall apart gradually.

Example

The ancient ruins of the castle were slowly crumbling due to weathering and erosion.

disintegrate

To break into small pieces or to dissolve completely.

Example

The sugar cube started to disintegrate as soon as it was dropped into the hot tea.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Grow apart

drift apart

To become less close or connected over time.

Example

After college, we drifted apart and lost touch with each other.

lose touch

To stop communicating or being in contact with someone.

Example

I lost touch with my childhood friend after she moved to another country.

become distant

To become emotionally or physically separated from someone.

Example

The couple became distant after years of living in different cities and having busy schedules.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “fall”

• fall back
• fall in with
• fall through
• fall out
• fall off

Phrasal Verbs with “grow”

• grow up
• grow from
• grow back
• grow together
• grow into

Phrasal Verbs with “apart”

• pull apart
• drift apart
• tell apart
• tear apart
• grow apart

Differences in fall apart vs grow apart: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: fall apart or grow apart?

Both phrases are used in everyday conversation, but grow apart is more common in social contexts. It's often used to describe friendships or romantic relationships that have weakened over time. Fall apart is less common and usually used to describe physical objects that have broken or deteriorated.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of fall apart and grow apart

Both fall apart and grow apart are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. However, grow apart can also be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts when discussing relationships between people or organizations.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of fall apart and grow apart

The tone of fall apart and grow apart can differ based on context. Fall apart often carries a negative or dramatic tone when referring to something breaking or failing, while grow apart typically has a nostalgic or regretful tone when referring to relationships that have weakened over time.

fall apart & grow apart: Synonyms and Antonyms

Fall apart

Synonyms

• disintegrate
• crumble
• collapse
• deteriorate
• decay
• fragment
• shatter
• break down

Antonyms

• assemble
• build
• construct
• maintain
• repair
• strengthen
• unite
• hold together

Grow apart

Synonyms

• drift apart
• become distant
• lose touch
• become estranged
• distance oneself

Antonyms

• reconnect
• grow closer
• become closer
• strengthen bonds
• maintain closeness