English Phrasal Verb: To Fall Apart

To break into pieces unexpectedly
To lose your ability to cope

To Fall Apart

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Example Sentences for the English Phrasal Verb Fall Apart

1. The car was really badly made; it fell apart less than a year after Ahmed bought it.
2. Linda was under so much pressure at work that they were really worried about her falling apart.
3. After their son died, their marriage fell apart.
4. Please don’t take the car off-road again. I’m worried that it will fall apart.
5. These shoes are so well made that I don’t think they will ever fall apart.

The English phrasal verb, to fall apart, is intransitive.

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English Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs can be extremely tricky for learners of English. The reason for this is twofold: there are lots of them and their meaning is not always obvious from the words that make them up. To make things even more difficult, phrasal verbs can have multiple meanings, adding to the headache for learners.

A phrasal verb is made up of a main verb with an attached preposition or adverb. An example of a phrasal verb is run into. Where run is the main verb and into is the preposition. Phrasal verbs can be separated into two groups, intransitive and transitive verbs. Intransitive phrasal verbs do not have a direct object: go out, for example, "I want to go out tonight". Transitive phrasal verbs have a direct object and they can be split up into two further categories: separable and inseparable. With separable transitive phrasal verbs, the verb and the preposition can be split up. For example, both “turn off the radio” and “turn the radio off” are both correct. Inseparable phrasal verbs cannot be split up. For example, “I’ll look after you” is correct, but “I’ll look you after” is not.

Using Storyboard That you can prepare a visual dictionary of phrasal verbs quickly and easily. Even better than that, have your students create their own phrasal verb visual definitions.

Frequently Asked Questions about English Phrasal Verb: To Fall Apart

What does the phrasal verb 'fall apart' mean?

The phrasal verb fall apart means to break into pieces physically, or to experience emotional or organizational breakdown.

How can I teach students the meaning of 'fall apart'?

To teach fall apart, use examples, visuals, and role-play scenarios showing things breaking or people feeling overwhelmed.

What are some examples of 'fall apart' used in sentences?

Examples include: "The old book started to fall apart" and "She fell apart after hearing the news."

Is 'fall apart' used literally or figuratively?

Fall apart is used both literally—for objects breaking—and figuratively, to describe emotional or organizational breakdowns.

What is the difference between 'fall apart' and 'break down'?

Fall apart often means to separate into pieces or lose cohesion, while break down can mean to stop working or to analyze something into parts.