a stage apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stage apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two things or people are separated by a certain distance or level, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "In their relationship, they felt a stage apart, unable to connect on the same emotional level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If Cromer can be said to have a signature style, it's his ability to take a stage apart and put it back together again, the better to find the emotional truth buttressing its floor.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, the University did not have any influence on the study at any stage, apart from providing logistical support.

BMC Psychiatry

This study was a dissertation for the Master of Medicine (in Psychiatry) at the University of Nairobi for W.D.C.K. under the supervision of D. M. K. and J. M. M. However, the University did not have any influence on the study at any stage apart from providing logistical support.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

At least, that's how it comes across in John Doyle's production, played out on an almost bare stage apart from two sheets creating an endless horizon of blue sky that turns to shadow as the sunlight grows cold.

The Guardian

At this stage, apart from an ongoing project to establish a pipeline from the South's major oil rigs to the Kenyan port of Lamu, all oil refineries and ports for exports are in fact situated not in the South, but in the North.

Huffington Post

Although the closest she has got to Wimbledon's main stage – apart from watching a bit of a Sharapova match from the stands last year – is Court 12, she seems comfortable in the spotlight.

The Guardian - Sport

Anyway, because it's hard to distil three days in which over 400 artists perform across 15 stages into a coherent story – especially as every stage apart from the main arena had a different name each day - here's a run-down of what happened on each stage.

Vice

The three boys with side-to-side differences were a maximum of one classification stage apart.

British Journal of Sports Medicine

Half the crowd had bolted, no doubt scared by the spectacle of a giant Shrek-like Scandinavian and a quadruple-jointed drummer tearing the stage apart with beat-stomping and word-tumbling.

TechCrunch

The Verbal Reasoning score was the only sub-score to correlate significantly at all stages apart from CP3 skills.

BMC Medical Education

"Nothing has changed at this stage apart from the value of the pound," he says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a stage apart", ensure the context clearly indicates a sequential or hierarchical separation, not merely a general difference. For instance, use it to describe progressive phases or levels of achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "a stage apart" to describe static differences or qualities. This phrase implies a progression or series of steps, not just a state of being dissimilar. Use alternatives like "distinct" or "different" for non-sequential differences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stage apart" functions primarily as a descriptive element, often modifying a noun to indicate a difference in level, phase, or progression. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is valid for usage, though relatively rare.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stage apart" is a phrase used to describe a distinction in level, phase, or progression. While Ludwig confirms its validity, it's a relatively rare expression best suited for contexts emphasizing sequential or hierarchical separation. The primary usage appears in news media and scientific publications, indicating a neutral to formal register. Remember to avoid using this phrase for static differences and reserve it for situations where a clear progression or staged development is implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinctly different

Emphasizes the difference more strongly than a separation in stage.

noticeably separate

Highlights the separation as easily observed, shifting focus from a staged process.

significantly dissimilar

Focuses on the lack of similarity rather than a physical or metaphorical gap.

clearly distanced

Implies a deliberate action of creating distance, not necessarily a stage.

markedly distinct

Highlights the distinction, rather than the separation by stage.

considerably varied

Shifts the focus to the variation between entities rather than their separation.

fundamentally different

Suggests a deeper, more intrinsic difference than a stage implies.

patently unlike

Emphasizes the obvious dissimilarity more than the stage-like separation.

categorically disparate

Uses a more formal and absolute tone to denote difference.

worlds apart

Uses a more figurative expression to indicate a wide gap or difference.

FAQs

How can I use "a stage apart" in a sentence?

You can use "a stage apart" to describe entities that are separated by a specific level or phase in a process. For example, "Their understanding of the issue was "a stage apart", with one focusing on immediate solutions and the other on long-term consequences."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "a stage apart"?

Alternatives to "a stage apart" include "distinctly different", "noticeably separate", or "significantly dissimilar", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a stage apart" suitable for formal writing?

The phrase "a stage apart" can be used in formal writing, but its appropriateness depends on the context. It's best suited for situations where you want to emphasize a sequential or hierarchical difference. In other cases, consider more neutral alternatives.

What's the difference between "a stage apart" and "worlds apart"?

"A stage apart" implies a more structured, incremental difference, often within a defined process or hierarchy. In contrast, "worlds apart" suggests a much larger, more profound separation, not necessarily linked to a specific sequence or progression.