The phrasal verb "take apart" is more commonly used in informal speech and is frequently encountered in everyday conversations rather than in formal writing or business contexts. This phrasal verb generally means to disassemble or dismantle something into its components, often for purposes of analysis, repair, or storage. For example, a person might "take apart" an electronic device to fix it or understand its function. Besides its literal meaning, "take apart" can also be used figuratively to describe the act of critiquing or dissecting ideas, plans, or arguments thoroughly and critically, as one might "take apart" a flawed argument in a debate. Due to its flexibility, it appears in various contexts such as technology, mechanics, or intellectual discussions, making it a versatile expression in diverse scenarios. Although informal, it is clear and descriptive, which contributes to its widespread and functional usage.
B1
PreIntermediate
1. To disassemble something into its individual parts.
He took apart the clock to see how it worked.
The mechanic had to take apart the engine to find the issue.
2. To analyze something thoroughly by examining its parts.
The professor took apart the student's argument in the debate.
Critics took apart the movie's plot for its many inconsistencies.