What does the phrasal verb “take apart” mean?

What are the definitions of “take apart”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Take something to pieces.

  She TOOK the photocopier APART to see what had got stuck in it.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “take apart”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb take apart is to disassemble or separate something into its individual components or pieces. This can be done to understand how something works, to repair it, or to clean it.

What are the different verb forms of “take apart”?

Root Verb	take apart
Third Person Singular Present	takes apart
Present Participle	taking apart
Simple Past	took apart
Past Participle	taken 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.

Example

He is taking apart the computer to upgrade its components.

Example

Yesterday, they took apart the engine to find the problem.

Example

The toy has been taken apart and put back together many times.

What kind of phrasal verb is “take apart”?

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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

“take 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 took apart the photocopier.

Example

He took the radio apart to fix it.

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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

“take 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 took apart the photocopier.

Example

He took the radio apart to fix it.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “take apart”?

Take someone apart

To criticize or defeat someone severely, often in a debate or competition.

Example

The experienced debater took apart his opponent with well-reasoned arguments.

Take something apart piece by piece

To disassemble something carefully and methodically.

Example

The mechanic took apart the engine piece by piece to find the issue.

Take apart and put back together

To disassemble and reassemble something, often as a learning exercise or for maintenance.

Example

He took apart his computer and put it back together to learn how it works.

Good things to know

Does “take apart” have an informal or formal tone?

Take 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, such as technical discussions or written instructions.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “take apart”?

Synonyms

• disassemble
• dismantle
• break down
• deconstruct
• strip down
• unbuild

Antonyms

• assemble
• construct
• build
• combine
• join
• put together