Phrasal verb
fall apart
Definition
phrasal verb. to break into pieces because something is old or weak. You can also use this when a plan fails or when someone becomes so upset that they cannot cope.
phrasal verb. to disintegrate into components or lose structural integrity; figuratively, to suffer an emotional breakdown or to cease functioning effectively as a system. The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.
Examples
“These old boots are starting to fall apart.”
“Their marriage began to fall apart after they moved to a different city and started working long hours.”
“The once-mighty empire began to fall apart as internal corruption and external pressures eroded its administrative foundations over several decades.”
Examples
simple
“These old boots are starting to fall apart.”
contextual
“Their marriage began to fall apart after they moved to a different city and started working long hours.”
complex
“The once-mighty empire began to fall apart as internal corruption and external pressures eroded its administrative foundations over several decades.”
Usage
Used for physical objects, systems like businesses, and a person's emotional state.
Teaching tip
Help students distinguish between the literal physical disintegration and the metaphorical emotional or systemic failure.
Pitfall
I fell apart the old radio to see the wires.
I took apart the old radio to see the wires.
Learners often use 'fall apart' transitively when they mean 'take apart' or 'break apart'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
apart
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
fall + apart
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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