Phrasal verb
take apart
Meanings
To disassemble something into separate pieces.
To examine something carefully to understand how it works or what it means.
To strongly criticize something by pointing out its faults.
Definition
To take something apart means to separate it into pieces or components.
To take apart something is to disassemble it so you can fix it, examine it, or move it more easily. People often take apart machines, furniture, or devices by removing screws, panels, or parts. It can also mean to criticize an idea or argument by pointing out its weaknesses.
Examples
- I had to take apart the old fan to clean the dust inside.
- Can you take apart this chair so it fits in the car?
- He took apart the remote control to see why it stopped working.
- She took apart my explanation and showed where the logic failed.
- They took apart the plan during the meeting and proposed a better approach.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "take apart" (disassemble) with "tear apart" (rip or destroy) and use the stronger phrase by mistake.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.