What are the definitions of “fall apart”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Break into pieces.
The box FELL APART when I picked it up.
- 2Become emotionally disturbed and unable to behave normally.
He FELL APART when they sacked him.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fall apart”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fall apart is to break into pieces or disintegrate. It can be used to describe objects, structures, or even relationships that are no longer holding together.
What are the different verb forms of “fall apart”?
| Root Verb | fall apart |
| Third Person Singular Present | falls apart |
| Present Participle | falling apart |
| Simple Past | fell apart |
| Past Participle | fallen apart |
Example
The old chair will fall apart if you sit on it.
Example
The cake falls apart when you try to cut it.
Example
The building is falling apart due to years of neglect.
Example
The plan fell apart when the key members left.
Example
Their friendship has fallen apart over the years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fall 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
“fall 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 book fell apart when I opened it.
Example
Their marriage fell apart after years of fighting.
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
“fall 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 book fell apart when I opened it.
Example
Their marriage fell apart after years of fighting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fall apart”?
To become emotionally unstable or overwhelmed.
Example
She fell apart emotionally after the loss of her loved one.
Good things to know
Does “fall apart” have an informal or formal tone?
Fall apart is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
