Particle guide
Phrasal verbs with apart
The particle apart starts from one core idea — separated into distance, pieces, or distinct identities. Sink In groups its verbs by the recurring ways that idea plays out, so verbs that look unrelated line up into patterns.
9 phrasal verbs · 4 meaning groups
Separation
A whole separates into pieces, or people become more distant from each other.
Usual verb + particle uses
The verb keeps its normal meaning. The particle adds its usual direction or relation.
come apart
Break into pieces or stop holding together
“The chair came apart in his hands.”
“The toy came apart when the child pulled it.”
drift apart
Of two or more people, slowly become less close to each other
“They drifted apart over the years.”
“The cousins drifted apart after school.”
grow apart
Gradually become less interested in each other
“They grew apart at university.”
“The band grew apart after the tour ended.”
pull apart
Separate two people or things by force
“They pulled the fighters apart.”
“Two teachers pulled the arguing boys apart.”
“The cups were stuck, but Maya pulled them apart.”
Breakdown
A plan or relationship can collapse. A group can be divided, and a person can lose emotional control.
Difference
Differences become clear, so one person or thing can be recognised from others.
Harsh Criticism
A person's work or idea is examined piece by piece and criticised very harshly.
Sink In — iOS & Android
Practice the apart patterns in Sink In
The app turns each meaning group into short review cards: recognition, particle cloze, meaning-to-particle recall, and schema matching.
- Learn the pattern behind dozens of verbs at once — not one-off translations.
- Spaced repetition (SM-2) brings each meaning back right before you forget.
- Four practice modes train recall and discrimination, not just recognition.
