sets them apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sets them apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate what distinguishes someone or something from others, highlighting unique qualities or characteristics. Example: "Her innovative approach to problem-solving really sets her apart from her colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It sets them apart.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet one glaring difference sets them apart.

The New York Times

That sets them apart from most frogs.

The New York Times

And it's this that sets them apart.

The Guardian - Books

The sheer dimension of it is what sets them apart.

The New Yorker

That's what sets them apart from other eels".

The New Yorker

What sets them apart is their improvement designs.

The New York Times - Books

Both have shtick that sets them apart from their counterparts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is Chelsea's balance which sets them apart.

The Guardian - Sport

"It sets them apart because it is so portable," she said.

The New York Times

What sets them apart is what each brings along on a visit to the city.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sets them apart", ensure that you clearly define what specific quality or characteristic is causing the distinction. This makes the sentence more informative and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "sets them apart" without specifying what exactly makes the subject different. For example, instead of saying 'Their approach sets them apart', specify 'Their innovative approach to customer service sets them apart'.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "sets them apart" functions as a predicate highlighting a distinguishing quality. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and effectively conveys the idea of uniqueness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sets them apart" is a grammatically correct and very common idiomatic expression used to highlight a distinguishing quality or characteristic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates uniqueness or superiority. Predominantly found in news and media, but also present in scientific and business contexts, its register is generally neutral. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly specify the differentiating factor to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "distinguishes them" or "makes them unique" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinguishes them

Directly indicates a difference, focusing on the act of setting apart.

makes them unique

Highlights the quality of being unlike anything else.

separates them from others

Emphasizes the act of creating a division or boundary.

is their defining characteristic

Focuses on the key feature that characterizes the subject.

is their distinguishing feature

Highlights a notable attribute that differentiates them.

makes them stand out

Highlights the quality of being noticeable or prominent.

gives them an edge

Suggests a competitive advantage.

carves out their niche

Indicates creating a specific, unique position.

establishes their identity

Focuses on creating a distinct persona or brand.

underlines their singularity

Emphasizes the unique or exceptional character of a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "sets them apart" in a sentence?

Use "sets them apart" to highlight a unique quality or characteristic that distinguishes someone or something from others. For example, "Their commitment to sustainability "sets them apart" from their competitors".

What can I say instead of "sets them apart"?

You can use alternatives like "distinguishes them", "makes them unique", or "separates them from others" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'set them apart' instead of "sets them apart"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "sets them apart" when referring to a singular subject performing the action. If the subject is plural or 'I/you/we/they', use 'set them apart'.

What is the difference between "sets them apart" and "tell them apart"?

"Tell them apart" implies distinguishing between two or more similar entities, while "sets them apart" highlights a characteristic that makes one entity different or superior.