standing apart from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "standing apart from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a distinction or separation from something or someone, often in a figurative sense. Example: "Her unique perspective on the issue is what makes her standing apart from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The story's aphoristic ingenuity, a kind of thesis of short filmmaking, displays both the self-surpassing energy of Swanberg's episodic storytelling in the two seasons of "Easy" and its built-in limits; "Prodigal Daughter" is a short film that, in standing apart from the others in the series, stands alongside his features.

The New Yorker

"What they've committed themselves to here is to giving up more national control over their budgets, and us standing apart from that is not being isolated from them, it is a very sensible thing to stand apart from that," he said.

BBC

It's about standing apart from the crowd, demonstrating knowledge, hipness".

The New York Times

It had to do with standing apart from the crowd.

The Guardian

Standing apart from the university's air of sanctimonious Negritude enabled him to write about it.

The New Yorker

I was standing apart from the others, who were drinking, and perhaps drunk.

The New York Times - Travel

Emotional courage means standing apart from others without separating yourself from them.

Harvard Business Review

Standing apart from other designers, Mr. Elbaz displays little interest in fame or stardom.

The New York Times - Style

Obama too often seems to see himself standing apart from both parties.

The Washington Post

The record – 41.37 – was the oldest still standing apart from the women's 800m.

The Guardian - Sport

An olive-green tent standing apart from the others is used as a mosque.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "standing apart from" to emphasize a deliberate choice to be different or independent, often to highlight unique qualities or perspectives.

Common error

While "standing apart from" is versatile, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "differentiating oneself from" or "distancing oneself from" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "standing apart from" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate separation, distinction, or independence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. Examples show it describing physical separation or metaphorical distinction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "standing apart from" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate separation, distinction, or independence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and appears frequently in various contexts, primarily in news and media, formal business settings, and academic writing. Its function is to emphasize the uniqueness or difference of something or someone, and it maintains a generally neutral tone. For writers seeking alternatives, "distancing oneself from" or "differentiating oneself from" can provide similar nuances. While highly versatile, it's always good to consider the potential for overuse, especially in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

setting oneself apart from

Emphasizes the act of intentionally creating a unique position.

distancing oneself from

Implies a more active effort to create space or avoid association.

being independent of

Emphasizes the lack of reliance or connection to something else.

differentiating oneself from

Focuses on highlighting the differences between oneself and others.

remaining separate from

Indicates a state of being divided or not connected.

isolating oneself from

Suggests a complete separation, often with negative connotations.

breaking away from

Implies a deliberate act of leaving or rebelling against a group or idea.

standing in contrast to

Highlights the differences and opposing nature between two things.

keeping aloof from

Suggests a detached and distant attitude towards something or someone.

rising above

Suggests surpassing or exceeding the level of something else, often in a figurative sense.

FAQs

How can I use "standing apart from" in a sentence?

You can use "standing apart from" to describe someone or something that is distinct or different from others. For example, "Her innovative approach is what makes her "standing apart from" her competitors."

What are some alternatives to "standing apart from"?

Alternatives include "distancing oneself from", "differentiating oneself from", or "setting oneself apart from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "standing apart from" or "separate from"?

"Standing apart from" often implies a conscious choice or inherent quality that creates distinction, while "separate from" simply indicates a state of being divided. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "standing apart from" and "standing out from"?

"Standing apart from" emphasizes the separation or difference, while "standing out from" emphasizes being noticeable or prominent within a group. For example, "She was "standing apart from" the crowd due to her unique style," versus "She was "standing out from" the crowd because of her bright red dress."