what sets apart

USAGE SUMMARY

"what sets apart" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to ask what makes one thing different from another, and is typically used in questions or in introductory sentences. For example: "What sets apart this year's crop of candidates for the job is their unique experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

What sets apart investing geniuses like Warren Buffett is precisely their ability to ignore their emotions —or, perhaps, to use them differently than the rest of us do.

The New York Times

"What sets apart the Christian market is an inspirational, uplifting message" — and the assurance that "I'm not going to open this book and find a string of curse words".

The New Yorker

What sets apart Thailand and other countries in Asia is the prevalence of fortune telling and other supernatural-related activities at the highest levels of government (Nancy Reagan's astrologer notwithstanding).

The New York Times

You will not, however, be all thumbs, or even half thumbs, for as research into the evolution of the human hand has shown, the thumb is what sets apart our hands from those of other apes.

The New York Times - Science

What sets apart the Chobi Mela International Festival of Photography in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is that it is not only truly international, but is also perhaps the world's most demographically inclusive festival.

The New York Times

Inviting people to get their hands dirty — to stir or sauté or just taste-test — is what sets apart Mr. Castaño and Mr. Cirino's events from other supper clubs.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

But what set apart this recent rash of Danish tales are their credible characters.

The Guardian

What sets you apart?

The New York Times

What sets Ferraris apart?

The New York Times

What sets Meb apart?

The Guardian - Sport

Design is what sets Apple apart.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what sets apart" to introduce a unique selling proposition or a key differentiator when discussing products, services, or individuals. For instance, "What sets this software apart is its intuitive user interface."

Common error

Avoid using "what sets apart" when there is no clear comparison being made. The phrase implies a contrast or distinction, so ensure there is a basis for comparison. For example, instead of saying "What sets apart this book is its writing," consider "What sets this book apart from other novels is its unique narrative style."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what sets apart" functions as an interrogative clause introducing a question about the unique or distinguishing characteristics of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. It helps to identify the key factors that differentiate one thing from another, as shown in Ludwig's examples, such as "What sets apart good teams from great teams..." or "What sets apart Dedekind's treatment of the real numbers...".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what sets apart" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression used to inquire about the unique characteristics of a subject. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is suitable for identifying the differentiators across various contexts, frequently appearing in news, business, and scientific writing. The phrase functions primarily to elicit information, maintaining a neutral to professional tone, and can be effectively employed to highlight unique selling propositions or key differentiators. When writing, ensure a clear comparison exists to justify its use and to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what distinguishes

This alternative focuses on the unique characteristics that differentiate something from others.

what differentiates

Similar to "what distinguishes", this highlights the differences that make something unique.

what makes unique

This option emphasizes the factors contributing to the uniqueness of a subject.

what is special about

This phrase highlights the exceptional qualities or features of a subject.

what is distinctive about

This option focuses on the recognizable and characteristic aspects of a subject.

what characterizes

This alternative highlights the defining traits or features of something.

what defines

This option focuses on the essential qualities that determine the nature of something.

what is the hallmark of

This highlights a typical or distinctive feature of something.

what is the differentiator

This phrase emphasizes the factors that set something apart in a competitive context.

what's the key difference

This alternative seeks to identify the most significant difference between two or more things.

FAQs

How can I use "what sets apart" in a sentence?

Use "what sets apart" to highlight the unique qualities or features of something. For example, "What sets apart this restaurant is its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients."

What can I say instead of "what sets apart"?

You can use alternatives like "what distinguishes", "what differentiates", or "what makes unique" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "what sets apart" or "what sets it apart"?

Both phrases are correct, but "what sets apart" is more general. "What sets it apart" is used when referring to a specific subject previously mentioned.

What's the difference between "what sets apart" and "what makes different"?

"What sets apart" emphasizes unique qualities, while "what makes different" simply highlights that there is a difference, without specifying uniqueness. "What sets apart" is used to emphasize what makes something special or distinctive.