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Phrasal verbs "take apart" vs "tear apart"

Differences between take apart and tear apart

Take apart and tear apart are very similar in meaning, but there is a slight difference in tone. Take apart is generally used when referring to disassembling or breaking down something into its individual parts, while tear apart is often used when referring to criticizing or attacking someone or something harshly.

Meanings and Definitions: take apart vs tear 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.

Tear apart

  • 1Disturb or upset greatly.

    People were TORN APART when news of the train crash came through.

Usage Examples: take apart, tear 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.

tear apart

Example

The news of the accident tore her apart.

Example

The tragic story tears apart everyone who hears it.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take apart

disassemble

To take something apart into its individual parts or components.

Example

He had to disassemble the engine to fix the problem.

break down

To separate something into smaller parts or pieces.

Example

She had to break down the cardboard boxes before recycling them.

dismantle

To take apart or strip something of its components or structure.

Example

They had to dismantle the old building to make way for the new one.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Tear apart

criticize harshly

To express strong disapproval or condemnation of someone or something.

Example

The movie was torn apart by critics for its poor acting and weak plot.

rip to shreds

To criticize or attack someone or something severely.

Example

The politician was ripped to shreds by his opponent during the debate.

pick apart

To analyze or criticize something in great detail.

Example

The editor picked apart the manuscript, pointing out every flaw and inconsistency.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “tear”

Differences in take apart vs tear apart: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: take apart or tear apart?

Both take apart and tear apart are commonly used in everyday conversation, but take apart is more common in technical or mechanical contexts, while tear apart is more common in emotional or social contexts.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of take apart and tear apart

Both take apart and tear apart are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. However, using take apart in a technical or professional context can convey a more formal tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of take apart and tear apart

The tone of take apart is generally neutral or objective, while tear apart has a negative or critical tone. Take apart is often used when describing a process or procedure, while tear apart is often used when expressing strong emotions or opinions.

take apart & tear apart: Synonyms and Antonyms

Take apart

Synonyms

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