set something apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set something apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate distinguishing or differentiating something from others. Example: "Her unique perspective on the issue really sets her apart from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In "A Sketch of the Past" (1939), Woolf wrote:  "Greatness still seems to me a positive possession; booming; eccentric; set apart; something to which I am dutifully led by my parents.

Independent

"If there's going to be an outlier note that will set it apart, something unorthodox, here's your totem tasting note for this product and it will be there immediately," she said.

Vice

Does something set you apart from other drug stores?

WikiHow

"You've got to do something to set yourself apart".

The New York Times

But about a year ago, Chock full o'Nuts decided it was time to do something to set itself apart from brands like Maxwell House and Folgers.

The New York Times

Neatly dressed in business casual and holding his BlackBerry, Epstein said: "I saw that to really excel at the game, you needed to do something to set you apart.

The New York Times - Sports

Lots of colors for a phone isn't all that new, but like Mr. Pine, Amazon needs to do something to set itself apart from the rest of the smartphone vendors.

TechCrunch

You know a Diane Arbus when you see a Diane Arbus, and that I'm in that league makes me happy, because you know if it's a Bidgood and that's a flattering thing it means I discovered a way to do something that set me apart.

Vice

Do something to set yourself apart from the rest of the girls.

WikiHow

"There was something about him, something that set him apart from the others," says a female voice-over, the thoughts of a beautiful woman in a gown.

The New York Times

I think it's something that sets us apart and something that we'll remember.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set something apart", ensure it's followed by a clear explanation of what makes the subject unique to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "set something apart" without specifying from what it is being distinguished. This omission can lead to vagueness and weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set something apart" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the act of distinguishing or differentiating something from others. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts to highlight unique qualities or characteristics. The phrase emphasizes creating a noticeable difference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

27%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set something apart" is a commonly used phrasal verb that effectively conveys the idea of distinguishing or differentiating something from others. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its prevalence in news media and general writing highlights its neutral register and versatility. To maximize impact, it's best used with a clear explanation of what makes the subject unique. Related phrases like "distinguish something" or "make something stand out" can offer subtle variations in meaning. The phrase is best applied with clarity of description on the distinguishing factors to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinguish something

Focuses on identifying unique characteristics.

differentiate something

Emphasizes recognizing differences between items.

make something stand out

Highlights visibility and prominence.

set something off

Suggests enhancing by contrast.

elevate something

Conveys raising the status of something.

give prominence to something

Focuses on highlighting the importance of something.

accentuate something

Emphasizes a particular aspect.

highlight something

Draws attention to something specific.

single out something

Implies choosing from a group.

mark something out

Emphasizes defining the boundaries of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "set something apart" to describe what makes something unique or different. For example, "Her innovative design set her work apart from her peers."

What can I say instead of "set something apart"?

Alternatives include "distinguish something", "differentiate something", or "make something stand out", depending on the specific context.

Is there a subtle difference between "set something apart" and "distinguish something"?

"Set something apart" often implies a more noticeable or significant difference, while "distinguish something" can refer to more subtle differences. The choice depends on the degree of difference you want to emphasize.

What is the correct word order: "set apart something" or "set something apart"?

The correct and more common word order is "set something apart". The alternative "set apart something" is grammatically incorrect.