stand apart

USAGE SUMMARY

"stand apart" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something that is separate from others and distinct from them. For example, "The young man stood apart from the rest of the crowd, unafraid to express his individual opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Or they could stand apart.

The New York Times - Arts

These collections stand apart from literature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now, they will stand apart.

The New York Times

Only Bayern Munich stand apart.

The Guardian - Sport

What is it makes them stand apart?

The New York Times

It's not meant to stand apart".

The New York Times

Nevertheless, Mercer's political efforts stand apart.

The New Yorker

"I fear the president thinks he can stand apart.

The New York Times

They stand apart, outside — by choice and by compulsion.

The New York Times - Books

Norwegians may still feel happy to stand apart.

The Economist

Conlin, on the other hand, would seem to stand apart.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stand apart" when you want to emphasize that something or someone is noticeably different or unique compared to others. It's suitable for highlighting exceptional qualities or characteristics.

Common error

Avoid using "stand apart" when you mean "support" or "advocate for" something. "Stand apart" highlights distinctiveness, while "stand for" indicates belief or advocacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand apart" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used intransitively. It indicates a state of being distinct or separate from others, often implying a positive differentiation. Ludwig's examples show various contexts where things or individuals are described as not blending in.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

22%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stand apart" is a phrasal verb that signifies distinctiveness and separation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its widespread usage across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. To effectively use the phrase, remember that it focuses on highlighting unique qualities rather than advocating for something. Alternatives like "distinguish oneself" or "set oneself apart" can provide nuanced variations. Remember that "stand apart" describes something that is noticeably different and avoids blending in. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently incorporate "stand apart" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set oneself apart

Emphasizes the act of creating a distinction between oneself and others.

distinguish oneself

Focuses on actively making oneself different or noticeable.

be unique

Implies being the only one of its kind.

be distinct

Highlights the quality of being clearly different and recognizable.

be different

A general term for not being the same as others.

remain separate

Highlights the condition of not being joined or connected.

rise above

Suggests surpassing others in terms of quality or achievement.

carve a niche

Suggests creating a unique position or role for oneself.

break away

Implies a forceful separation from a group or standard.

be independent

Focuses on self-reliance and not being influenced by others.

FAQs

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

Use "stand apart" to describe something that is distinctly different from others. For example, "Her innovative design made her product "stand apart" from the competition."

What does it mean when something "stands apart"?

When something "stands apart", it means it is noticeably different or unique, often in a positive way. It doesn't blend in with the rest.

Which is the correct phrase: "stand apart" or "stands apart"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "stand apart" with plural subjects (e.g., "They "stand apart""), and "stands apart" with singular subjects (e.g., "He "stands apart"").

What can I say instead of "stand apart"?

You can use alternatives like "distinguish oneself", "set oneself apart", or "be unique" depending on the specific context.