setting them apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "setting them apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of distinguishing or differentiating someone or something from others. Example: "Her unique style and creativity are what truly set her apart from the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

The phrase is often used to describe the act of distinguishing or differentiating something or someone from others. It appears across various contexts, including describing unique characteristics, competitive advantages, or differentiating factors in groups.

The phrase is found in news articles, scientific publications, and general writing, indicating broad applicability.

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Setting them apart isn't as easy as it once was.

The New York Times - Food

The two versions of a gene may be identical, or they may carry genetic variations setting them apart.

The New York Times - Science

Superstars are likely to receive the bulk of fight money, setting them apart from their teammates, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

The inability to assume the neutral keto tautomer is their other distinct characteristic, setting them apart from analogous azoles and their benzoanalogs.

Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology C: Photochemistry Reviews

Denying the vote to ex-offenders, who have paid their debt, continues to brand them as criminals, setting them apart from the society they should be rejoining.

The New York Times

But neither had been arrested before, setting them apart from many of their peers in the gritty south-west Philadelphia neighborhood where they grew up.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

What sets them apart?

Stanford University

It sets them apart.

The Guardian - Sport

Two practices set them apart.

Cornell University

But that job does set them apart.

The New York Times

Yet one glaring difference sets them apart.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "setting them apart", ensure that the unique qualities or characteristics are clearly defined to provide context and enhance clarity. This strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "setting them apart" without specifying what exactly differentiates the subject. Vague descriptions weaken the phrase's effectiveness. Always provide clear details on the distinguishing factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setting them apart" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun to describe the act of distinguishing or differentiating someone or something. This usage is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase often acts as a subject or object in sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "setting them apart" is a versatile and grammatically sound gerund phrase used to describe the act of differentiation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and widely applicable across various contexts. With numerous real-world examples, the phrase demonstrates its ability to effectively highlight unique qualities or characteristics. While suitable for neutral and professional registers, it's crucial to provide clear and specific details to enhance its impact. Alternatives such as "distinguishing them" or "making them unique" offer similar nuances. Overall, "setting them apart" is a valuable tool for emphasizing distinction in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinguishing them

Focuses on the act of noticing or creating differences, shifting from the process to the outcome.

differentiating them

Emphasizes the act of identifying specific differences, often in a comparative context.

making them unique

Highlights the result of the action, emphasizing the uniqueness of the subject.

making them stand out

Emphasizes the visibility or prominence of the subject compared to others.

setting them up as different

Implies a deliberate act of positioning or creating differences.

highlighting their differences

Focuses on drawing attention to the contrasting features of the subject.

singling them out

Focuses on selecting or highlighting particular individuals or items from a larger group.

giving them prominence

Highlights the act of making the subject more noticeable or important.

giving them an edge

Specifically suggests providing a competitive advantage or superior quality.

elevating their position

Implies increasing status or importance relative to others.

FAQs

How to use "setting them apart" in a sentence?

Use "setting them apart" to describe the act of distinguishing or differentiating something or someone from others. For example, "Their innovative approach is what "sets them apart" from the competition."

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

You can use alternatives like "distinguishing them", "differentiating them", or "making them unique depending on the context.

Which is correct, "setting them apart" or "set them apart"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different grammatical functions. "Setting them apart" functions as a gerund phrase, while "set them apart" functions as a verb phrase. The choice depends on the sentence structure.

What's the difference between "setting them apart" and "making them stand out"?

"Setting them apart" emphasizes the process or action of differentiating, while "making them stand out" focuses on the result of being noticeable or prominent. The nuance depends on whether you want to emphasize the process or the outcome.