told apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "told apart" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be a confusion of "torn apart" or "told apart," which is not a recognized expression. Example: "The two stories were so different that they could easily be told apart."

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Not that such endeavours could necessarily be told apart.

The Guardian - Books

Females are told apart by the whiter underparts of the Humboldt's Sapphire.

Cornell University

The calls of Fish Crows and American Crows are readily told apart.

Cornell University

Their teeth can be told apart easily using scanning electron microscope.

The New York Times

Though the two sounds are indistinguishable to the human ear, they can be told apart using signal-processing software.

The Economist

There was a further problem with the twins, who could not be told apart by a stranger.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Now they're hard to tell apart.

The New York Times

They're sometimes hard to tell apart.

The Guardian - Books

The two groups are relatively easy to tell apart.

University of California, Berkeley

Still, in some places they were hard to tell apart.

The New Yorker

Together, books tell a story they can't tell apart.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure clarity by providing context when using the phrase "told apart". Specify the method or criteria used to distinguish between the items being compared.

Common error

While "told apart" is common, be mindful of its slightly informal tone. In highly formal or academic writing, consider stronger alternatives like "distinguished" or "differentiated" for added precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "told apart" functions as a passive construction, indicating the ability to distinguish or differentiate between two or more entities. As Ludwig examples show, it is used to explain how items, people, or concepts can be differentiated based on certain characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

29%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "told apart" is commonly used to describe the ability to differentiate between two or more things. Despite Ludwig AI's identification of potential incorrectness in standard written English, its frequent appearance in diverse sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and academic publications suggests it's generally acceptable. While clear, consider opting for more formal synonyms like "distinguished" or "differentiated" in academic or professional contexts. Providing clear context on how items can be "told apart" will improve understanding. Overall, while "told apart" is widely understood, mindful usage ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinguished

Focuses on recognizing differences through careful observation or analysis.

differentiated

Emphasizes the specific qualities that set things or people apart.

identified

Highlights the act of recognizing and naming distinct entities or characteristics.

discerned

Suggests a more subtle or challenging process of perceiving differences.

recognized

Implies a prior familiarity or understanding that allows for easy identification.

set apart

Focuses on the action of making something distinct or exceptional.

singled out

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

separated

Emphasizes the physical or conceptual division of entities.

classified

Focuses on grouping things based on shared characteristics, which inherently distinguishes them from other groups.

categorized

Similar to 'classified', but implies a more structured system of organization.

FAQs

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

The phrase "told apart" is used to describe the ability to distinguish between two or more things. For example, "Even identical twins can be "told apart" by their voiceprints."

What are some alternatives to "told apart"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "distinguished", "differentiated", or "identified" instead of "told apart".

Is it better to use "tell apart" or "told apart"?

"Tell apart" is the infinitive form, while "told apart" is the past participle. Use "tell apart" for general statements and "told apart" when describing something that has already happened or a state of being.

In what contexts is "told apart" most appropriate?

The phrase "told apart" is suitable for various contexts, including describing how to distinguish species, identifying individuals, or differentiating between abstract concepts. However, consider using more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing.