to set apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to set apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to distinguishing or separating something from others for a specific purpose or reason. Example: "Her unique perspective helps to set apart her work from that of her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

General Writing

Business Communication

Academic Writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"What kinds of places do we want to set apart?

The New York Times

The word, allocate, means to set apart, assign, or allot for a particular purpose.

System Requirements Analysis

But they eventually decided it would be best to set apart the president's appearance.

The New York Times

But the scale of the departure and the size of Hama seem to set apart the experience there.

The New York Times

Your differentiation challenge is to set apart your company as a whole, instead of staking your future on one or two isolated products.

Harvard Business Review

THE Ninja name has long since grown beyond a mere model designation used by Kawasaki to set apart its most sport-focused motorcycles.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

How is our music going to be set apart from other talk shows?

Forbes

They want to be set apart from it...

Los Angeles Times

God's desire is for His people to be set apart from other religious practices, like pagan worship and sorcery.

HuffPost

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

The Guardian

Chromatin corresponding to 10% was set apart as Input.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to set apart" when you want to emphasize the act of distinguishing something for a specific purpose or making it unique. This can be particularly effective in highlighting unique qualities or intended uses.

Common error

While "to set apart" is generally acceptable, overuse in very formal or academic writing can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Consider stronger alternatives like "to differentiate" or "to distinguish" for enhanced precision and formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to set apart" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of distinguishing or separating something from others for a specific purpose or reason. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples showcasing its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

28%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to set apart" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate the action of distinguishing or separating something for a specific purpose. As Ludwig's analysis shows, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, although more formal alternatives like "to differentiate" or "to distinguish" may be preferred in academic writing. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase has a neutral register, making it suitable for a wide range of communications. By understanding its nuances and context-specific alternatives, you can effectively use "to set apart" to highlight the unique qualities or intended uses of something in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to distinguish

Focuses on recognizing differences, implying a clearer separation.

to differentiate

Highlights the qualities that make something unique and distinct.

to earmark

Implies designating something specifically for a particular purpose.

to allocate

Suggests assigning or allotting something for a specific use.

to designate

Formally assigning or naming something for a particular purpose.

to consecrate

Implies dedicating something to a sacred purpose.

to sanctify

Focuses on making something holy or pure, setting it apart religiously.

to reserve

Suggests keeping something aside for future use or a specific person.

to segregate

Implies separating something, often with negative connotations of discrimination.

to demarcate

Focuses on clearly marking boundaries or limits to set something apart.

FAQs

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

Use "to set apart" to indicate distinguishing something from others for a specific purpose. For example, "The company's innovative marketing strategy helped "to set apart" its product from competitors."

What are some alternatives to "to set apart"?

Alternatives include "to distinguish", "to differentiate", or "to earmark depending on the specific nuance you want to convey".

Is it better to use "to distinguish" or "to set apart"?

"To distinguish" emphasizes recognizing differences, while "to set apart" focuses on the act of making something distinct. The best choice depends on whether you want to highlight the inherent differences or the action of creating them.

When should I use "to consecrate" instead of "to set apart"?

Use "to consecrate" when you want to emphasize the sacred or holy nature of the separation. "To set apart" is more general and can apply to non-religious contexts.