poles apart

USAGE SUMMARY

"poles apart" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
This expression typically means to be very different from each other or to be vastly different in opinion or attitude. For example: "The two opinions were poles apart; there was no hope for reconciling the disagreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Financially, the clubs are poles apart.

Independent

Picasso and Matisse are poles apart aesthetically.

The New Yorker

Artistically, though, the brothers were poles apart.

The Economist

We were poles apart politically, of course.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even the poles are, well, poles apart in appearance.

The New York Times - Science

But that feels poles apart from the Brexit experience.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Although the men seem poles apart, two things become clear.

The Guardian

But, Professor Dautrich said, "Personality-wise, they are poles apart.

The New York Times

And yet the reactions to their respective exclusions have been poles apart.

Independent

In fact, Americans are far from poles apart on the issue of gun control.

The New York Times

Two works dating from 1992, which are merely titled "Abstract Painting," are poles apart.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "poles apart" to vividly illustrate significant disagreements or differences, making your writing more impactful and easier to understand.

Common error

Avoid using "poles apart" for minor differences. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the contrast is substantial and fundamental, not merely superficial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poles apart" functions as an adjective phrase, typically used to describe two or more entities that are fundamentally different or in stark opposition. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Arts

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Social Media

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "poles apart" is a common and correct way to describe things that are fundamentally different. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's widely used in news, arts, and business contexts to emphasize significant disagreements or contrasts. While grammatically sound and versatile, it's best reserved for situations where the differences are substantial. Alternatives like "diametrically opposed" or "worlds apart" can offer similar emphasis depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Knowing when and how to use "poles apart" effectively can enhance your writing and make your message more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diametrically opposed

This phrase suggests a direct and complete opposition, as if positioned at opposite ends of a diameter.

completely different

This is a straightforward expression indicating a total lack of similarity.

worlds apart

This phrase emphasizes the vast distance or difference between two things.

entirely dissimilar

Highlights the lack of resemblance, using a more formal tone.

at opposite extremes

Indicates that the subjects are located at the farthest ends of a spectrum.

fundamentally different

Stresses that the differences are deep and foundational.

like night and day

A common idiom emphasizing the stark contrast between two things.

incompatible

Highlights the inability of two things to coexist or agree.

mutually exclusive

Suggests that the two options cannot occur together.

contradictory

Indicates that the two things are in direct opposition, each negating the other.

FAQs

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

You can use "poles apart" to describe opinions, ideas, or even physical locations that are extremely different. For example, "Their political views are "poles apart"."

What's the difference between "poles apart" and "slightly different"?

"Poles apart" indicates a vast difference, while "slightly different" implies a minor variation. If two things are "poles apart", they are nearly opposite; if they're slightly different, they're mostly similar.

What can I say instead of "poles apart" to describe differences?

Alternatives to "poles apart" include "diametrically opposed", "worlds apart", or "completely different", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "poles apart" in formal writing?

Yes, "poles apart" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It's a widely understood idiom that adds emphasis to the degree of difference between two things.