Part with sth Meaning / Examples / How to Use

What Does “Part with sth” Mean?

“Part with sth” means to give up or let go of something, usually something valuable or important, often reluctantly.

Introduction

The phrasal verb “part with sth” is commonly used in English to express the act of giving away or losing possession of something. The phrase often implies a sense of difficulty or emotion involved in giving up an item, whether it’s money, possessions, or sentimental objects. Understanding the part with sth meaning helps learners communicate situations where they have to separate themselves from something they own. This phrase is useful in both formal and informal contexts and often appears in conversations about selling, donating, or losing things. Knowing how to use “part with sth” correctly will enhance your English fluency and help you describe actions involving possessions more naturally.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: part with sth (part with something)
• Type: transitive
• Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
• Short meaning: to give up or give away something, often unwillingly

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Part with sth” is a transitive phrasal verb, which means it requires a direct object (the thing being given up).

It is inseparable, so the object always comes after the phrasal verb.

• Correct: I had to part with my old car.
• Incorrect: I had to part my old car with.

Structure pattern: Subject + part with + object

How to Use “Part with sth”?

You use “part with sth” when talking about giving away or selling something, especially when it is difficult or emotional to do so. It often emphasizes the value or importance of the item being parted with. This phrasal verb is suitable for talking about money, possessions, or sentimental items.

Examples

Here are some natural sentences using “part with sth in a sentence”:

• She found it hard to part with her grandmother’s necklace.
• He finally parted with his old bike after many years.
• They had to part with a large sum of money to buy the house.
• Many people find it difficult to part with their favorite books.
• We parted with the car when we moved to the city.

Common Mistakes

Sometimes learners confuse “part with sth” with other similar phrases or place the object incorrectly.

• Incorrect: I part my phone with her.
  Correct: I parted with my phone.
• Incorrect: She part with the money.
  Correct: She parted with the money.

Remember, the verb and preposition “part with” must stay together, and the object follows after.

Differences / Synonyms

It’s helpful to compare “part with sth” to similar expressions like “give up,” “let go of,” and “sell.”

• Part with sth usually implies some reluctance or emotional difficulty.
• Give up can mean stopping a habit or effort, not just possessions.
• Let go of is often used for emotions or physical release, less formal.
• Sell is more specific about exchanging for money.

Example: He parted with his old guitar (reluctantly gave it away). He sold his old guitar (exchanged for money).

Common Collocations

People often use “part with” with valuable or important things. Some common collocations include:

• Part with money – to pay or spend a significant amount
• Part with possessions – to give away or lose belongings
• Part with valuables – to give up important or expensive items
• Part with a gift – to give something as a present
• Part with an item – general object being given away

Real-life Dialogue

Here’s a short conversation using “part with sth”:

Anna: Are you really going to sell your bike?

Ben: Yes, it’s time. But I don’t want to part with it—it has a lot of memories.

Anna: I understand. It’s hard to part with things we love.

Practice

Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of “part with”:

• She didn’t want to _______ her old books, even though she had no space.
• We had to _______ a lot of money to fix the house.
• He finally _______ his antique watch to a collector.

FAQs

• Q: Is “part with sth” formal or informal?
  A: It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Q: Can I use “part with” for emotions?
  A: No, it is usually for things or money, not feelings.
• Q: What is the difference between “part with” and “give up”?
  A: “Part with” focuses on giving away possessions, often reluctantly; “give up” can mean stopping habits or efforts.
• Q: Can I say “part sth with someone”?
  A: No, the correct form is “part with sth,” not “part sth with.”
• Q: Is “part with” separable?
  A: No, it is inseparable; the object must come after the phrase.