set apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set apart" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate that something is distinct or distinguished from something else. For example, you could say, "This area is set apart from the rest of the city by its unique beauty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

When human making was set apart, why was it?

Harvard University

Chromatin corresponding to 10% was set apart as Input.

Nature

Woods was set apart by his modus operandi.

The Guardian

His lineup picture was set apart by a different background.

The New York Times

We are no longer set apart from it.

Independent

"What kinds of places do we want to set apart?

The New York Times

The island, set apart, both expressed and offered spiritual advantages.

The Guardian - Books

LGH is set apart from the tourist beat.

The Guardian - Travel

WHAT YOU'LL FIND Geographically, Hudson Heights is set apart.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The Amish eschew set-apart sacred places and buildings -- even churches.

Huffington Post

But maybe we could set apart a piece of the world.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set apart", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being distinguished and from what. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "set apart" in extremely informal writing where simpler alternatives like "different" or "special" might be more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set apart" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It indicates the action of distinguishing something or someone from others, either physically, conceptually, or figuratively. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used in various contexts to highlight uniqueness or separation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "set apart" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote distinction, separation, or designation for a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, its applications span various domains, predominantly featuring in News & Media and Science, although it is deemed fit for Formal & Business environments as well. When writing, it's best to ensure the context clarifies the distinguished element. Although it is a versatile expression, avoiding overuse in overly casual contexts can improve your writing. Alternatives such as "distinguish" or ""isolate"" may sometimes be more fitting, depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinguish

Focuses on highlighting differences, emphasizing unique characteristics rather than separation.

differentiate

Emphasizes identifying and explaining the dissimilarities between items.

segregate

Implies a more forceful separation, often with negative connotations.

isolate

Focuses on physical or conceptual separation from others.

earmark

Highlights the act of designating something for a particular purpose.

designate

Implies formally choosing or assigning something for a specific purpose.

single out

Focuses on selecting someone or something from a larger group.

mark off

Emphasizes the physical act of creating boundaries or divisions.

set aside

Emphasizes reserving something for a particular use or time.

detach

Implies disconnecting or disengaging something from a larger entity.

FAQs

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

You can use "set apart" to indicate that something is distinct or distinguished from something else. For example, "Her unique style set her apart from other artists."

What are some alternatives to "set apart"?

You can use alternatives like "distinguish", "differentiate", or "isolate" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "set apart from" or is there another preposition that should be used?

It is correct to say "set apart from". The preposition "from" is typically used to indicate what something is being distinguished or separated from.

What is the difference between "set apart" and "set aside"?

"Set apart" emphasizes distinction or isolation, while "set aside" implies reserving something for a specific purpose or time.