What are the definitions of “come apart”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Break into pieces.
It CAME APART when I tried to lift it off the floor and I had to glue it back together.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “come apart”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb come apart is to break into pieces or separate into parts. This can happen when something is damaged, old, or not well-made.
What are the different verb forms of “come apart”?
| Root Verb | come apart |
| Third Person Singular Present | comes apart |
| Present Participle | coming apart |
| Simple Past | came apart |
| Past Participle | 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.
Example
The seams of the shirt are coming apart after just a few washes.
Example
The vase came apart when it fell off the table.
Example
The chair had come apart after years of use.
What kind of phrasal verb is “come apart”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“come apart” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The old chair came apart when I sat on it.
Example
The puzzle came apart when I accidentally bumped the table.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“come apart” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The old chair came apart when I sat on it.
Example
The puzzle came apart when I accidentally bumped the table.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “come apart”?
Good things to know
Does “come apart” have an informal or formal tone?
Come apart is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or presentations, depending on the specific context.
