What are the definitions of “tear apart”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Disturb or upset greatly.
People were TORN APART when news of the train crash came through.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tear apart”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tear apart is to cause someone to feel very upset, disturbed, or emotionally distressed. It is often used when talking about situations or events that cause great sadness or pain.
What are the different verb forms of “tear apart”?
| Root Verb | tear apart |
| Third Person Singular Present | tears apart |
| Present Participle | tearing apart |
| Simple Past | tore apart |
| Past Participle | torn apart |
Example
The news of the accident tore her apart.
Example
The tragic story tears apart everyone who hears it.
Example
The loss of her job is tearing her apart.
Example
The sudden death of his friend tore him apart.
Example
Their family was torn apart by the tragedy.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tear 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
“tear 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
The sad movie tore her apart.
Example
The news of the disaster tore apart the community.
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
“tear 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 sad movie tore her apart.
Example
The news of the disaster tore apart the community.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tear apart”?
Good things to know
Does “tear apart” have an informal or formal tone?
Tear apart is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
