sit apart

USAGE SUMMARY

"sit apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to sit separated or at a distance from others. Example: The students were asked to sit apart from each other during the exam to prevent cheating. Another example: The couple decided to sit apart at the dinner party because they had gotten into an argument earlier.

✓ Grammatically correct

Traditions and customs, where physical separation is mandated

Descriptions of social dynamics, highlighting interpersonal distance

Spatial arrangement, indicating physical distancing of objects or people

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

This should sit apart from the house.

The New York Times

But Berman, not a fan, did not want to sit apart from his children.

The New York Times - Sports

The New Yorker, October 15 , 1927P. 28 We sit apart.

The New Yorker

Centerpieces are limited to tables for women, who according to tradition sit apart from men.

The New York Times

The audience stood in a rectangular courtyard (patio) or sat in galleries, with the women having to sit apart in a special gallery of their own.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Just like Andrew Mitchell, George Osborne obviously thinks it's one rule for him and another for the plebs he's so keen to sit apart from.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

They have sat apart for years.

The New York Times

But unremarkable Overland sits apart from the conflict.

The Guardian - Books

He calls this "segregated inclusion". Newcomers were allowed in, but sat apart from the earlier group.

Columbia University

The Captain sits apart from the rest of them, inconsolable at the loss of his ship.

The New Yorker

Jordan-Barber, who is from Shrivenham near Swindon, sat apart from the pair in the dock.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sit apart" when you want to clearly communicate that individuals or groups are physically separated while seated, often due to custom, policy, or personal choice.

Common error

Avoid using "sit apart" if the reason for the separation isn't clear from the context. Instead, clarify why individuals are separated to prevent misinterpretations. For example, specify "they were asked to sit apart" or "they chose to sit apart".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sit apart" functions as a verb phrase, describing the act of being seated at a distance from others. Ludwig examples demonstrate it being used to describe physical separation due to tradition, policy, or personal choice. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

12%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

24%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sit apart" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of being seated at a distance from others. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used in various contexts, from describing seating arrangements dictated by tradition to illustrating social dynamics. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure the context makes the reason for separation is clear. Alternatives like "sit separately" or "remain distant" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Overall, "sit apart" is a useful phrase for expressing physical separation while seated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sit separately

Emphasizes the act of occupying distinct seating spaces, typically by arrangement or rule.

sit independently

Emphasizes the self-contained and detached manner of seating.

sit at a distance

Focuses on the physical space separating individuals or objects.

sit individually

Stresses the separate and personal nature of each seating position.

sit discretely

Highlights sitting in a way that avoids attention or blends into the background.

sit on opposite sides

Highlights positioning across from each other, indicating division or opposition.

remain distant

Shifts focus to maintaining a social or emotional gap in addition to physical separation.

sit divided

Implies a split or partition in the seating arrangement, either physically or symbolically.

sit in isolation

Highlights a solitary seating arrangement, focusing on being alone.

sit aloofly

Indicates a haughty or standoffish manner of sitting, suggesting superiority or disinterest.

FAQs

What does "sit apart" mean?

"Sit apart" means to be seated at a distance from others, either by choice, arrangement, or necessity. It indicates physical separation while in a seated position.

How can I use "sit apart" in a sentence?

You can use "sit apart" to describe arrangements where people are not sitting together, such as "The students were asked to "sit separately" during the exam" or "Due to social distancing, attendees had to "sit at a distance" from each other".

What are some alternatives to saying "sit apart"?

Alternatives include "sit separately", "sit independently", or "remain distant" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "sit apart"?

It's not grammatically incorrect, but it can be misleading if the reason for the separation isn't clear. Ensure the context provides clarity on why individuals or objects "sit apart".