set apart from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'set apart from' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which a person or thing is separated or distinguished from other similar persons or things. For example, "My brother was set apart from the other children in his class because of his exceptional intelligence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In business settings, these feelings typically translate into them being set apart from the power structures at the top.

Huffington Post

We are no longer set apart from it.

Independent

LGH is set apart from the tourist beat.

The Guardian - Travel

Areas of bare land were set apart from concentrations of vegetable growth.

The New Yorker

The result is a people set apart from the rest of Canada both geographically and culturally.

Independent

He may have a special gear, set apart from the others, for Wittgenstein.

The New Yorker

Born biologically female, Zoltar grew up acutely aware that he was set apart from other children.

Independent

Set apart from the immediate fatigue of family life, they are among the Saved.

Independent

The Sri Lankans have their own drummer, helpfully set apart from the Indian musicians.

The New York Times - Arts

Eventually, however, the priestly caste and the performer became physically set apart from the spectators.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We feel set apart from the rest of France as if we live on an island".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set apart from" to emphasize that something or someone is notably different or distinct from others in a specific context. It often carries a sense of uniqueness or special purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "set apart from" when a simple difference or variation is meant. This phrase implies a significant degree of separation or distinction, not just minor dissimilarities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set apart from" functions as a prepositional phrase. It describes how something or someone is distinguished or separated from a group or norm. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, demonstrating its prevalence across various texts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set apart from" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to highlight distinction and separation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, its primary function is to emphasize uniqueness. Remember to use "set apart from" when indicating a significant distinction, not just minor differences. Alternatives like "distinguished from" or "unlike" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinguished from

Emphasizes notable differences that make something stand out.

distinct from

Emphasizes the clear and recognizable differences.

separated from

Focuses on the physical or conceptual act of being divided or detached.

differentiated from

Stresses the act of identifying differences between items.

isolated from

Highlights the state of being alone or detached from others.

segregated from

Implies a more formal or systemic separation.

marked off from

Highlights the act of creating boundaries or distinctions.

divorced from

Suggests a complete and often undesirable detachment.

unlike

Indicates dissimilarity, often in a more concise manner.

set asunder from

An archaic alternative, suggesting a forceful separation.

FAQs

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

Use "set apart from" to indicate that something is distinct or different from others. For example, "Her talent set her apart from her peers."

What's a good alternative to "set apart from"?

You can use alternatives like "distinguished from", "different from", or "unlike" depending on the context.

Is "set apart from" formal or informal?

"Set apart from" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it may sound slightly more formal than simple alternatives like "different from".

How does "set apart from" differ from "set aside"?

"Set apart from" emphasizes distinction or separation, while "set aside" typically means to reserve something for a specific purpose or to ignore something.