take apart
/teɪk əˈpɑːrt/
Meaning
This phrasal verb means to separate something into its individual parts or pieces. It is usually done to see how a machine works, to repair a broken device, or to clean the components. It is commonly used with electronics, furniture, and machinery.
Examples
-
My brother loves to take apart old clocks to see how they work.
My brother loves to take apart old clocks to see how they work.
-
We had to take the bed apart so it would fit through the door.
We had to take the bed apart so it would fit through the door.
-
Don't take apart the engine unless you know how to put it back together.
Don't take apart the engine unless you know how to put it back together.
-
He took the computer apart to install a new graphics card.
He took the computer apart to install a new graphics card.
-
She carefully took apart the camera to clean the internal lens.
She carefully took apart the camera to clean the internal lens.
Common Mistakes
-
✗ I took apart my homework.
✓ I broke down my homework.
'Take apart' is only used for physical, structured objects (like machines, toys, or furniture), not abstract tasks, projects, or assignments.
-
✗ He took the toy to apart.
✓ He took the toy apart.
Do not insert the preposition 'to' before 'apart'. 'Apart' acts as an adverb directly following the object.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
To fix the leaky tap, you first need to ___ it ___.
💡 Separate it into pieces.
Show answer
take apart
-
The kids decided to ___ ___ the Lego castle.
💡 Dismantle the structure.
Show answer
take apart