let apart

USAGE SUMMARY

"let apart" is not a grammatically correct phrase in English.
The correct phrase is "let alone." It is used to indicate that something is even less likely or possible. Example: "I can't afford a new car, let alone a luxury one like that."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Overall plantlet growth –as estimated by mean plant height after emergence– showed a similar trend over time for the two lines, let apart a systematic delay of 2 3 d for the OCI-expressing tubers (Fig.  4b).

BMC Plant Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's not always that easy, and there are relationships that are really precious that I regret having let fall apart.

The Guardian - Music

"How many times had they put the world back together?" wonders Galen: "Why not let it fall apart and stay apart, why not let the truth happen?" So builds the dreadful climax and dark denouement of this brilliant narrative.This is not a relaxing or consoling book.

The Economist

Or another clown like Yeltsin, who let everything fall apart.

The New York Times

He was either Bloody Nicholas or stupid, weak Nicholas, who had let everything fall apart".

The New York Times - Books

"We need to stick together, more than ever – we can't let Europe fall apart".

The Guardian

This is what happens when you let buildings fall apart through neglect".

The New York Times

This time, he let comics rip apart his life but sat there patiently.

The Guardian - Music

"Every time she came over she let him tear apart her purse," Ms. Van Riper said.

The New York Times

"He was worried, and said keep an eye on Sandi, don't let her fall apart".

The New York Times

We let Afghanistan fall apart after the victory over the Soviet-backed government in 1992.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "let apart" in formal writing. Opt for clearer alternatives like "set aside" or rephrase your sentence to avoid the construction altogether.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "let apart" with the idiom "let alone", which means "not to mention" or "even less so". Using "let apart" when you mean "let alone" will result in a grammatically incorrect and confusing sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let apart" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Although some limited examples exist, it does not function as a standard grammatical construction. Ludwig AI indicates that "let alone" is the correct form.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "let apart" is not grammatically correct in standard English. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct phrase is "let alone". Although some examples can be found, it's best to avoid using "let apart" and instead opt for more accurate and widely accepted alternatives like "set aside" or to rephrase the sentence entirely for clarity. Using accurate grammar ensures effective communication and avoids confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set aside

Focuses on reserving something, differing from allowing separation.

leave separate

Emphasizes maintaining a state of separation, not necessarily allowing it to begin.

allow to separate

Highlights permission for entities to become distinct, varying from simply allowing space between them.

keep distinct

Implies a continuous effort to maintain the difference, not just an initial allowance of separation.

distinguish between

Focuses on recognizing differences, rather than permitting physical separation.

differentiate

Similar to 'distinguish', highlighting the act of finding or creating differences.

permit to diverge

Suggests an acceptance of differing directions or paths, not merely physical space.

enable separation

Emphasizes facilitating a split, not just allowing a pre-existing condition.

grant independence

Highlights bestowing autonomy, which goes beyond physical separation to include decision-making.

authorize division

Suggests an official or formal sanctioning of a split, differing greatly from merely 'letting' something be.

FAQs

Is "let apart" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "let apart" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use other phrases like "set aside" or rephrase your sentence for clarity.

What does "let alone" mean, and how is it different from "let apart"?

"Let alone" means "not to mention" or "even less so", while "let apart" is not a recognized phrase. For example, "I can't afford a car, "let alone" a luxury car."

How can I rephrase a sentence that incorrectly uses "let apart"?

Consider using phrases like "leave separate", "allow to separate", or "keep distinct" depending on the context. Ensure the revised sentence accurately conveys your intended meaning.

Are there situations where "let apart" might be acceptable?

While not standard, in highly specific technical contexts, it might appear, but it's generally advisable to seek clearer, more conventional alternatives to avoid confusion. Always prioritize clarity and grammatical correctness.