Break up
To end an organization, group, or band
Common pattern: break up + (a group/band)
the band broke up
the company broke up
the partnership broke up
broke up the team
The band broke up after their last tour. ✅ (Correct)
The band broke after their last tour up. ❌ (Incorrect — "up" cannot be separated from "break" with no object)
To separate into pieces or disperse (a crowd, a fight, ice)
Common pattern: break up + object (noun)
break up a fight
break up a crowd
break up ice
break up a meeting
They broke up the crowd after the concert. ✅ (Correct)
They broke the crowd up after the concert. ✅ (Correct)
To end a romantic relationship
Common pattern: break up (with someone)
break up with your girlfriend
break up after years together
break up over the phone
break up amicably
She broke up with her boyfriend last week. ✅ (Correct)
She broke with her boyfriend up last week. ❌ (Incorrect — "up" cannot be separated from "break")