points apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "points apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a distance or difference between two or more items, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The two landmarks are only a few points apart, making it easy to navigate between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Talks collapsed that afternoon, with the N.B.A. and the union still 2.5 percentage points apart.

The New York Times - Sports

Last year, they nearly did it again, with E.L.A. scores only a few points apart.

The New York Times

On recent intelligence tests at school, they scored three points apart.

The New York Times

Six ice dancing couples entered the final free dance less than 3 1/2 points apart.

The New York Times - Sports

They are two-and-a-half percentage points apart, the equivalent of about $100 million a year.

The New York Times - Sports

"Please tell me what you've got against DA Points apart from his silly name," writes Jo Wight.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Their intelligence quotients (IQs) were one point apart.

The Economist

The two rates typically move in lockstep, and were a percentage point apart before the crisis.

The New York Times

First, the race is close: polls put Mr Braley and Ms Ernst about a percentage point apart.

The Economist

There was nothing else to attack at this point apart from the police in the middle of the road.

The Guardian

Benchmark interest rates set in Frankfurt and London are now just 0.75 of a percentage point apart, down from four points in 1999.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "points apart" when referring to a numerical difference or distance between two values or entities. It's particularly useful in contexts involving scores, statistics, or measurements.

Common error

Avoid using "points apart" to describe abstract differences that aren't quantifiable. For example, instead of saying "Their opinions were worlds apart", use "Their opinions were vastly different".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "points apart" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, often describing the degree of difference or separation. It quantifies the space or variance between two or more entities, ideas, or scores, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Sport

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "points apart" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that accurately quantifies the difference or separation between two or more items, usually in a numerical context. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and suitable for a range of contexts. While primarily found in news, science, and sports reporting, it maintains a neutral tone. When using it in your writing, ensure that you're referring to a quantifiable difference rather than an abstract concept. Keep in mind related alternatives such as "difference in points" or "separated by points" when more clarity is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difference in points

Highlights the difference itself as measured in points.

separated by points

Focuses on the points as the means of separation, rather than the state of being apart.

a gap of points

Emphasizes the space or interval between the points.

points of separation

Focuses on the separation caused by the difference in points.

points of divergence

Emphasizes the specific locations where differences begin to emerge.

points of contrast

Focuses on the contrasting nature of the points being compared.

spaced by points

Focuses on the points as markers of distance or spacing.

points of distinction

Highlights unique characteristics that differentiate the points.

points in variance

Highlights the points as being variable or inconsistent with each other.

removed by points

Suggests a more deliberate act of distancing or separating.

FAQs

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

The phrase "points apart" is used to describe a numerical difference. For example: "The teams were only three "points apart" in the final score."

What's an alternative to saying "points apart"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "difference in points", "separated by points", or "points of divergence".

Is it correct to say "the candidates are inches apart"?

While "inches apart" implies a small physical distance, ""points apart"" typically refers to a numerical difference, such as in polling data. Therefore, "percentage points apart" would be more appropriate.

How do you use "percentage points apart"?

Use "percentage points apart" when discussing differences in percentages. For example: "The polls show the candidates are only two "percentage points apart"."