set itself apart from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set itself apart from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate how something distinguishes itself from others in a particular context or category. Example: "The new smartphone model sets itself apart from its competitors with its innovative features and sleek design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

From the beginning Aperture set itself apart from the mainstream.

The New York Times - Arts

"Milan used to set itself apart from other cities because of its orderliness.

The New York Times

To survive, the newspaper, and the physical book, needs to set itself apart from the web.

The New Yorker

By reducing its weekend meals, Texas has set itself apart from most other state prison systems.

The New York Times

With that magical power, the priesthood increasingly set itself apart from the laity.

The New York Times - Books

Despite moving toward pickup sales, the industry strives to set itself apart from fast food.

The New York Times

The other question is: How will each company set itself apart from the growing pack?

The New York Times

"The hospice was keen to set itself apart from others but didn't quite know how to do it," she says.

Independent

London has always set itself apart from the rest of Britain — but political, economic and social trends are conspiring to drive that wedge deeper.

The New York Times

Retailing experts see these partnerships as a way for the store to set itself apart from competitors by attracting a variety of customers.

The New York Times

Charlotte Fiell, a design historian, explains: "Instead of being slaves to contemporary fashion trends, Marimekko set out to set itself apart from the fashion industry.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set itself apart from" to clearly articulate how a subject distinguishes itself from its peers or competitors. This phrase is particularly effective in marketing, business, and academic contexts where differentiation is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "set itself apart from" repeatedly within the same paragraph or document. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "distinguish itself from" or "differentiate itself from" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set itself apart from" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, indicating the action of distinguishing or differentiating something from others. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set itself apart from" is a versatile and frequently used expression that highlights the act of differentiation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts, primarily in news, business, and scientific writing. To enhance your writing, use this phrase to emphasize unique attributes while avoiding overuse, and consider alternatives like "distinguish itself from" or "differentiate itself from" for variety. Remember, its function is to clearly articulate the distinctive qualities that make something stand out.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinguish itself from

Replaces 'set' with 'distinguish', emphasizing the act of noticing differences.

differentiate itself from

Uses 'differentiate' to highlight the process of becoming distinct.

stand out from

Focuses on prominence and being easily noticeable compared to others.

distinguish itself

Shorter version, omitting 'from', but retaining the core meaning of distinction.

carve a niche

Implies creating a unique position or specialty.

establish its uniqueness

Focuses on creating and proving a unique identity.

be unlike

Simple and direct expression of being different.

make its mark

Implies creating a notable difference or impact.

adopt a unique identity

Focuses on actively choosing and developing a distinct identity.

rise above

Highlights surpassing others in quality or status.

FAQs

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

You can use "set itself apart from" to describe how something distinguishes itself from others. For example, "The company set itself apart from the competition with its innovative product design."

What can I say instead of "set itself apart from"?

You can use alternatives like "distinguish itself from", "differentiate itself from", or "stand out from" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "set itself apart from" or "differentiate itself from"?

Both "set itself apart from" and "differentiate itself from" are correct. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey; "set itself apart" can imply a more deliberate action of creating distinction.

How formal is the phrase "set itself apart from"?

The phrase "set itself apart from" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in business, academic, and journalistic writing. More informal alternatives may include phrases like "stand out from".