What are the definitions of “pull apart”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Destroy an argument, theory, etc.
My tutor PULLED my essay APART.
- 2Stop people or animals fighting.
A fight broke out in the pub and it was hard to PULL the people involved APART.
- 3Make someone unhappy or upset.
It PULLED me APART to see them arguing so much.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pull apart”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pull apart is to separate or break something into pieces, either physically or metaphorically. It can be used to describe the process of dismantling an object or disassembling an argument or theory.
What are the different verb forms of “pull apart”?
| Root Verb | pull apart |
| Third Person Singular Present | pulls apart |
| Present Participle | pulling apart |
| Simple Past | pulled apart |
| Past Participle | pulled apart |
Example
She tried to pull apart the tangled wires.
Example
He pulls apart the old furniture to recycle the wood.
Example
They are pulling apart the old car to restore it.
Example
The teacher pulled apart the student's argument in class.
Example
The broken toy was pulled apart and thrown away.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pull 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.)
Transitive verb
“pull apart” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She pulled apart the tangled wires.
Example
The teacher pulled the student's argument apart in class.
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
“pull 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
She pulled apart the tangled wires.
Example
The teacher pulled the student's argument apart in class.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pull apart”?
To cause someone to feel upset or distressed.
Example
The constant arguing between her parents pulled her apart emotionally.
Good things to know
Does “pull apart” have an informal or formal tone?
Pull apart is generally considered a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in more formal settings depending on the context. However, in most cases, pull apart is considered an informal phrasal verb used in everyday speech.
