run apart

USAGE SUMMARY

"run apart" is not correct and usable in written English.
You might be thinking of the phrase "run a part," which would mean to break something into parts. For example: "I had to run a part my project and complete it piece by piece."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Since then the challenge from across the water has yielded only disappointment but this term, the champion Long Run apart, the home defence looks shaky.

Independent

While hip-hop performers have been running marketing divisions as part of their business, Mr. Harrell and others are building successful full-service agencies with a roster of clients that they run apart from their other businesses.

The New York Times

She got a great run apart from a slight bump on the turn and shot past Shirocco Star, looking a classy beast.

The Guardian - Sport

There are a couple of options to deal with this issue in the long run, apart from a substantial increase in the agency's budget – an unlikely prospect in the face of the looming federal budget sequestration deadline.

The New York Times

Andrew Bridges, the managing director of London estate agents Stirling Ackroyd, said, "Nothing else can solve a fundamental shortage of homes in the long run, apart from building more.

The Guardian - Money

Luck has been with me so far this run (apart from the occasional audience of 12, and the unanimous decision of the Fringe critic community to ignore my show).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But people running apart, as if they don't know each other, is not the answer, either.

The New Yorker

She ran apart from the others, near the side of the road, not wanting anyone to clip her heels, as had happened early in the race.

The New York Times - Sports

Before long, the two are up and running, apart and then together, chasing and being chased amid the swelling intrigue and shady characters, including an American journalist (Julia Stiles) and a British intelligence officer (Riz Ahmed, very fine).

The New York Times

For Bolt to win both three times in a row, to do so while smiling and clowning and running a race apart, is something beyond, barely species‑parity.

The Guardian - Sport

Or should I take this chance by myself to run away?" Apart from one fiery cross-examination of an FBI special agent on Thursday, Tsarnaev's defence team has mostly declined to ask questions of the prosecution's 45 witnesses so far.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using phrases with "run" followed by an adverb or preposition, ensure the combination creates a coherent and grammatically correct expression. Check for established idioms or common usage.

Common error

A common mistake is to assume that any combination of "run" and a preposition is acceptable. Phrases like "run apart" are often non-idiomatic and can lead to confusion. Always verify that the phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run apart" functions as a verb phrase, attempting to describe a state of separation or divergence. Ludwig AI identifies it as not entirely correct or consistently used in standard English writing, so it's best to consider stronger alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "run apart" is grammatically questionable and not consistently used in standard English. While it appears in various contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science, its non-idiomatic nature makes it less desirable for formal writing. Ludwig AI suggests that alternative phrases like "drift apart", "diverge", or "go separate ways" are more appropriate and clearer. Therefore, it's advisable to use these alternatives to avoid confusion and maintain grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diverge

This verb implies a separation or branching off from a common point or path.

split up

Indicates a division into separate parts or groups, emphasizing the act of separating.

go separate ways

Suggests a mutual decision to follow different paths or directions in life.

drift apart

Implies a gradual separation over time, often due to changing interests or circumstances.

break away

Suggests a sudden or forceful separation, often from a group or organization.

scatter

Implies a dispersal in different directions, often in a chaotic or unplanned manner.

disperse

Similar to "scatter", but often used in more formal contexts.

veer off

Suggests a change in direction, implying a deviation from a set course.

branch off

Implies a division into separate branches or paths, similar to a tree.

separate

A general term for ceasing to be together or connected.

FAQs

How can I use "run apart" correctly in a sentence?

While "run apart" isn't a standard phrase, you might consider rephrasing your sentence using alternatives like "drift apart" or "diverge" to convey the intended meaning of separation or divergence.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "run apart"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "split up", "go separate ways", or "break away" to express a similar idea.

Is it correct to say "run apart" in formal writing?

No, it is generally not appropriate for formal writing. It's better to use more established and grammatically sound phrases like "separate" or "diverge" in formal contexts.

What does it mean when things "run apart"?

The intended meaning is usually that things or people are separating, diverging, or going in different directions. However, because the phrase is not standard, it's better to use clearer alternatives such as "drift apart" or "go separate ways".