ways apart

USAGE SUMMARY

'ways apart' is a valid and usable phrase in written English, and it can be used to describe a wide range of situations.
For example, "The two teams were miles ways apart in terms of their ability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"We're narrowing those differences, but we're still some ways apart," he said during a news conference here on Saturday.

The New York Times

"Right now," Mr. Robinson said, the total votes from Mr. Bush and Mr. Gore are still "quite a ways apart".

The New York Times

There are ways, apart from developing new drugs, to combat the problem of superbugs and drug resistance.

The New York Times

In the process, she creates a delicate and very real story about the way a teenage girl grows up — and in certain ways, apart, from her mother.

The New York Times - Books

This set her in some ways apart from most of the artists around her, whose linear naturalism and homely rural subject matter was distinctly English.

The Guardian - Arts

The promotion is an example of how Oscar Mayer and other Kraft divisions to try to reach consumers in new ways apart from tried-and-true tactics like television commercials.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"We were way apart," Mrs. Carter said.

The New York Times

We are still a long way apart".

The New York Times

However, the two sides are still a long way apart.

The Guardian

To prevent it slipping to my feet, I had to force my knees way apart.

The Guardian - Travel

Which, by the way, apart from her male partner, is women.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, use "ways apart" to create a clear and concise distinction between different perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "ways apart" when describing trivial or negligible differences. This phrase is better suited for significant distinctions or disagreements. For minor discrepancies, consider using phrases like "slightly different" or "somewhat similar".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ways apart" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the degree or extent of separation or difference. It's commonly used to emphasize a significant distinction between two or more things. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ways apart" is a grammatically sound expression used to underscore significant differences or separation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across diverse contexts. While not exceptionally common, it effectively conveys a substantial divergence, making it suitable for situations where emphasis on the degree of difference is desired. It finds usage primarily in news, media, and scientific contexts, maintaining a generally neutral tone. To enhance writing, remember that "ways apart" works best when the differences are substantial, and alternatives like ""poles apart"" can offer a more impactful expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poles apart

Implies an extreme level of difference, often suggesting opposing viewpoints.

significantly dissimilar

Focuses on the important differences that exist.

markedly different

Emphasizes that the differences are easily noticeable and significant.

considerably different

Highlights the notable dissimilarity between two or more things.

widely divergent

Emphasizes a large degree of difference or variance.

distinctly separate

Stresses the clear and unambiguous separation between entities.

far removed

Indicates a significant difference or separation, emphasizing the extent of the divergence.

incompatible

Highlights the impossibility of two or more things existing together harmoniously.

a considerable distance

Highlights a notable physical or metaphorical distance.

at odds

Suggests a state of disagreement or conflict.

FAQs

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

You can use "ways apart" to describe differences between ideas, people, or objects. For example, "The two political parties are "poles apart" on economic policy" or "The siblings grew up "far removed" and had very different lifestyles."

What does it mean when people say two things are "ways apart"?

It means that there are significant differences between the two things being compared, whether those differences are in opinion, distance, or some other characteristic.

Which is more impactful: "different" or "ways apart"?

"Ways apart" suggests a greater degree of difference than simply "different". Using "ways apart" emphasizes a significant divergence or separation.

What are some alternatives to using "ways apart" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "considerably different", "significantly dissimilar", or "widely divergent" to convey a similar meaning.