a shade apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shade apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight difference or distinction between two things, often in a comparative context. Example: "The two paintings are a shade apart in color, with one being slightly more vibrant than the other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Flip the bottle to read the label and a quirky or funny name instantly sets a shade apart in a sea of reds, pinks and nudes — adding another coat of fun to a manicure.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Thursday at 9 p.m. Tickets: $7. Shades Apart and the Pilfers.

The New York Times

Some details have emerged about the technology in the sunglasses from people who have torn their shades apart, including that the battery is about 5% of what's packed in a smartphone.

Los Angeles Times

The thick layer of moist baked ham came apart in substantial piggy strands, the chutney was nicely tart, if perhaps a shade too sweet, the salad was fresh, and the granary bread first-rate.

The Guardian - Travel

Darker by a shade or six than John Hughes films of the era, the movie's adolescent love triangle torn apart by drugs, excess and James Spader's drug dealer, Rip, might feel a bit like propaganda for the D.A.R.E.

The New York Times

Your eyelash is a shade.

The New Yorker

She's a shade menopausal.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a shade flabby.

The Guardian - Travel

It was about $450 a shade.

The New York Times

She smiled, as if a shade embarrassed.

Independent

That may be a shade too simplistic.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a shade apart" when you want to subtly emphasize a minor distinction between two comparable things. The phrase works well in descriptive writing where nuance is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "a shade apart" excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and diminish the impact of the phrase. Opt for synonyms or rephrase to maintain variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shade apart" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective. It indicates the degree to which two things differ, implying a slight or subtle distinction. Ludwig indicates this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a shade apart" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a minor difference between two similar things. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. While not frequently used, it appears in reputable sources such as news media and WikiHow, suggesting a neutral register. When writing, use it to add nuance to your descriptions, but avoid overuse. Alternatives like "slightly different" or "a touch different" can provide variety. Keep in mind that this phrase adds a subtle emphasis on the difference and use accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly different

Emphasizes a minor difference without specifying the type.

a touch different

Highlights a very small degree of difference.

a hint of difference

Suggests a barely perceptible variation.

marginally distinct

Implies a minimal level of separateness.

somewhat dissimilar

Indicates a degree of unlikeness that isn't substantial.

ever so slightly different

Emphasizes the subtlety of the divergence.

a hair's breadth away

Suggests the similarity is so strong that the differences are not clear.

just a little different

Emphasizes the lack of a major dissimilarity.

subtly contrasting

Highlights a difference in visual or aesthetic appeal.

almost identical

Highlights similarity in most of the cases.

FAQs

What does "a shade apart" mean?

"A shade apart" means that two things are very similar, but there's a subtle difference between them.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a shade apart"?

It's best to use "a shade apart" when describing something where minor differences are significant or noteworthy. For instance, describing color variations or nuanced opinions.

What can I say instead of "a shade apart"?

You can use alternatives like "slightly different", "a touch different", or "marginally distinct" depending on the context.

Is "a shade apart" formal or informal?

"A shade apart" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts where a subtle difference needs to be highlighted.