one point apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one point apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difference or distance of one unit in a particular context, such as scores, measurements, or positions. Example: "The two teams finished the game with scores that were one point apart, making it a thrilling match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Their intelligence quotients (IQs) were one point apart.

The Economist

Southampton and Stoke are two of a cluster of sides who can finish anywhere between 10 and 17 – with the opposing pair currently three places but just one point apart in the Premier League standings.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

There is some talk he will seek a recount, which is automatic if the candidates wind up less than one-half of one percentage point apart.

Vice

Cysteine and serine are only one point mutation apart in the genetic code and so, if size was the only constraint, we might expect these two amino acids to occur with equal frequency at this site, even within families.

BMC Genomics

16 Each study contributes one time point, apart from the HSE, which contributes three periods.

Archives of Disease in Childhood

The girls' bond occasionally turns claustrophobic and judgmental, and at one point it bursts apart altogether, but it endures.

The New York Times - Books

One correlation was used for measurements that were one time-point apart.

BMC Public Health

For each degree apart one point is selected as grid point.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Mr. Romney and Mr. Huckabee were barely 25 yards apart at one point, standing on opposite sides of a hybrid S.U.V., but did not acknowledge each other.

The New York Times

At one point, a gust ripped apart the giant sheet of paper that served as a background, so that it flapped around thunderously, as assistants scrambled to furl it.

The New Yorker

When they broke apart at one point, Cassandro threw a lone backflip in celebration and clapped his hands, smiling.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing scores or measurements, use "one point apart" to clearly indicate a minimal difference between them. For example, "The teams were only "one point apart" in the standings."

Common error

Avoid assuming that being "one point apart" automatically implies a meaningful difference. The significance depends on the context; in some situations, "one point apart" is negligible, while in others, it's crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one point apart" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, specifying a minimal difference or separation. Ludwig examples show its use in describing IQ scores, sports standings, and genetic code mutations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "one point apart" is a concise and effective way to describe a minimal difference between two quantities or positions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and usable across various contexts, particularly in news and scientific domains. While the phrase is clear, its significance depends on the specific scenario; what constitutes a meaningful difference can vary greatly. Consider using alternatives such as "a single point difference" or "marginally different" to emphasize the scale of the distinction further. Overall, "one point apart" provides a valuable means of quantifying small disparities in a variety of settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a single point difference

This alternative directly emphasizes the numerical difference.

separated by one point

This focuses on the act of separation by a single point.

one unit of difference

This generalizes the 'point' to any unit of measurement.

marginally different

This emphasizes the small degree of difference.

a hair's breadth apart

This idiomatically suggests a very small distance or difference.

closely spaced

This refers to a physical proximity rather than a numerical difference.

neck and neck

This is typically used in competitions where the competitors are very close.

virtually equal

This highlights the near equality despite a slight difference.

separated by a slim margin

This focuses on the narrowness of the difference.

in close proximity

This refers more to the general closeness rather than a specific, quantifiable distance.

FAQs

How can I use "one point apart" in a sentence?

You can use "one point apart" to describe a small difference between two values or positions. For example, "The two teams finished the season only "one point apart", making the championship game highly anticipated."

What's a synonym for "one point apart"?

Alternatives include "a single point difference", "separated by one point", or "marginally different" depending on the specific context.

Is it more common to say "one point apart" or "a point apart"?

"One point apart" is more common when emphasizing the numerical difference. "A point apart" might be used when the exact number isn't as important.

In what contexts is "one point apart" typically used?

"One point apart" is often used in contexts involving scores, statistics, or measurements, particularly in sports, academics, or scientific studies to highlight a close result or minimal deviation.