to be set apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be set apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is distinguished or separated from others, often in a special or unique way. Example: "Her talent and dedication to her craft truly set her apart from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

For years, Marina Litvinenko's life with her husband seemed to be set apart from the world he inhabited.

The New York Times

I don't need to be defined by those beliefs, just as much as I don't want to be set apart from – or viewed as being against – those who DO define themselves by those beliefs".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's hard not to be curious and delighted that former Twitter engineer  Alex Payne is now co-founding a bank, which promises to be set apart as much by its corporate values and customer service as by its Android app.

TechCrunch

"Aren't we as Christians called to be set apart from such profanity; rather than to be taking pride or joy in it?" "Lecrae is a secular rapper now.

Huffington Post

As a result of this trend, the old common belief about immigration into the U.S. needs to be set apart into a more complex one: there are those who take their chances by coming to America on their own to seek work and perhaps also find a better life; and, there are those who are being brought here as human cargo, and destined for the most vile purposes as forced labor and prostitution.

Huffington Post

Everywhere that coalitions persist, newcomers seem to be set apart, made to act in distinct ways or given differentiating attire (e.g., Anderson and Noesjirwan 1980; Davis 1998; Honeycutt 2005; Keating et al. 2005; McGlone 2005; Nuwer 2004; Schlegel and Barry 1979; Zurcher 1970).

Human Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

How to not be set apart from the community but help to elevate it.

The Guardian

In the future, closely related species that are difficult to distinguish may be set apart employing species-specific biomarker peptides.

Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture

"Those exchanges that want to be regulated by us will be set apart from those that don't," SFC CEO Ashley Alder told a conference, according to a report from Reuters.

TechCrunch

It should be set apart.

WikiHow

Horse race coverage does not drill into beliefs, attitudes, or opinions to understand how candidates are set apart from one another.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be set apart" when you want to emphasize a clear distinction or separation, often highlighting a unique quality or purpose. Ensure that the context supports the idea of something being intentionally distinguished from others.

Common error

Avoid using "to be set apart" in contexts where a negative connotation of isolation or exclusion is unintended. Choose a more neutral alternative like "to stand out" or "to be distinguished" if the separation is meant to be positive or simply descriptive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be set apart" functions as a verb phrase, typically used in passive voice constructions. It signifies the act of distinguishing something or someone from others. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be set apart" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate distinction or separation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific publications, and wiki articles. When using this phrase, ensure that the context supports the idea of intentional separation and be mindful of potential negative connotations. Alternatives like "to be distinguished" or "to stand out" can provide a more neutral tone if needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to stand out

Focuses on being noticeably different or better than others.

to be distinguished

Focuses on the quality of being recognized as different or special.

to be singled out

Highlights the act of choosing one person or thing from a group.

to be unique

Emphasizes the quality of being unlike anything else.

to be differentiated

Highlights the process of identifying differences between items or individuals.

to be exceptional

Focuses on exceeding the norm or being remarkably good.

to be in a class of its own

Suggests a superior level of quality or uniqueness compared to others.

to be different

A simple and direct way of expressing a lack of similarity.

to be segregated

Emphasizes a more forceful separation, often with social or political implications.

to be isolated

Implies a complete removal from others, often suggesting loneliness or lack of connection.

FAQs

How can I use "to be set apart" in a sentence?

You can use "to be set apart" to describe something that is distinguished from others, such as "Her talent and dedication to her craft truly "set her apart" from her peers" or "The new building was designed "to be set apart" from the surrounding structures with its modern design".

What are some alternatives to "to be set apart"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to be distinguished", "to stand out", or "to be different", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "to be set apart" in formal writing?

Yes, "to be set apart" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when emphasizing a deliberate act of separation or distinction. However, consider the connotation; if a more neutral tone is desired, alternatives like "to be distinguished" might be preferable.

What's the difference between "to be set apart" and "to be isolated"?

"To be set apart" often implies a deliberate or intentional separation, usually with a specific purpose or positive attribute in mind. "To be isolated", on the other hand, suggests a more forceful or unintentional separation, often associated with feelings of loneliness or lack of connection. Consider that "to be isolated" typically bears a more negative connotation than "to be set apart".