Differences between take apart and come apart
Take apart means to disassemble or separate something into its individual parts, while come apart means to break or fall apart.
Meanings and Definitions: take apart vs come apart
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Take apart
- 1Take something to pieces.
She TOOK the photocopier APART to see what had got stuck in it.
Come apart
- 1Break into pieces.
It CAME APART when I tried to lift it off the floor and I had to glue it back together.
Usage Examples: take apart, come apart in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
take apart
Example
He decided to take apart the old radio to see if he could fix it.
Example
She takes apart her bicycle every year for maintenance.
come apart
Example
The old book came apart when I tried to open it.
Example
The cheap toy comes apart easily, so be careful when playing with it.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take apart
To take something apart into its individual parts.
Example
He had to disassemble the engine to fix the problem.
To take apart a structure or machine piece by piece.
Example
The old building was dismantled to make way for a new one.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Come apart
To break into small pieces or particles.
Example
The sandcastle disintegrated when the wave hit it.
To break or fall apart into small pieces.
Example
The cookie was so dry that it started to crumble when she picked it up.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “take”
Phrasal Verbs with “come”
Phrasal Verbs with “apart”
Differences in take apart vs come apart: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: take apart or come apart?
In daily conversation, people use take apart more often than come apart. This is because take apart is used for tasks such as repairing, cleaning, or understanding how something works. Come apart is less common and usually used when something breaks or falls apart unexpectedly.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of take apart and come apart
Take apart and come apart are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of take apart and come apart
The tone of take apart and come apart can differ based on context. Take apart often carries a practical and analytical tone when referring to disassembling or understanding something, while come apart typically has a negative and emotional tone, especially when referring to something breaking or falling apart unexpectedly.
take apart & come apart: Synonyms and Antonyms
Take apart
Synonyms
- disassemble
- dismantle
- break down
- deconstruct
- strip down
- unbuild