1 B2 neutral
to separate something into pieces by pulling
"The twins pulled the old teddy bear apart."
separable
pull apart
B2 neutral separable transitive
to separate something into pieces, or criticize it in detail
In plain English
to pull something into parts, or say what is wrong with it bit by bit
What does "pull apart" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
to examine and criticize something in detail
"The reviewer pulled the report apart in front of the whole team."
separable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
to make people become separated emotionally or socially
"Years of secrecy pulled the family apart."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Literally, to pull pieces away from each other.
Actually means
to pull something into parts, or say what is wrong with it bit by bit
Usage tip
Used both literally and figuratively. Common with objects, arguments, plans, and writing.
Words that pair with "pull apart"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
toy machine argument proposal essay family
How to conjugate "pull apart"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pull apart
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pulls apart
he/she/it
Past simple
pulled apart
yesterday
Past participle
pulled apart
have + pp
-ing form
pulling apart
continuous
Hear "pull apart" in the wild
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Other ways to say "pull apart"
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Keep exploring
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