words apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "words apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more things are significantly different or distanced from each other in meaning or context. Example: "Their opinions on the matter were words apart, making it difficult to reach a consensus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It is often hard to tell the two words apart.

The Guardian - Books

To test that interesting theory: can anyone make sense of any of the words (apart from ΛÓΓOΣ)?

The Guardian

Eisenhower deliberately avoided giving this address to the United Nations because he did not want other delegates to immediately chop his words apart.

The New York Times

It is not entirely Mr. Salerno's fault that he barely quotes any of Salinger's words, apart from a few snippets of letters in the possession of their recipients.

The New York Times

With a strong, articulate, Betty Carter-like voice, she improvises with her group, telling stories and pulling words apart; the songs, some autobiographical, move through free jazz and some swing and blues language.

The New York Times - Arts

A keyboard is manipulated (or driven by paper or magnetic computer tape) to select the matrices needed to compose each line of text, including tapered spacebands, which automatically wedge the words apart to fill each line perfectly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

One word, apart from deep, to describe the bass voice?

The Guardian - Music

Instead, he takes the word apart, and doesn't take Chiron apart with it.

The New Yorker

They went into this micromanaging period where they started timing everything, picking every single word apart.

The New York Times

What impact will digital books have on the experience of the written word – apart from the form factor, and the ability to store hundreds of works on a single ebook reader?

The Guardian - Tech

There's remarkable anguish in the way Williams holds onto the word "apart" for a beat too long, like he's failing to let go of someone after a hug.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "words apart" to emphasize a significant difference or disagreement in opinions, ideas, or statements. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being separated or contrasted.

Common error

Avoid using "words apart" when you simply mean words are physically separated by a certain distance. This phrase typically implies a conceptual or figurative divide, not a spatial one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "words apart" functions as an adjective phrase, often used to describe a state of disagreement or significant difference between two or more entities, ideas, or opinions. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase highlights contrasting viewpoints or concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "words apart" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression signifying substantial disagreement or difference, as affirmed by Ludwig. Primarily found in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias contexts, it effectively emphasizes the degree of separation between ideas or opinions. When writing, remember that this phrase should be used to highlight conceptual or figurative divides rather than simple physical distance. For alternatives, consider "far apart", ""miles apart"", or ""worlds apart"" to add nuance to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

statements apart

This alternative focuses on the divergence of statements or declarations, rather than general words.

words separately

This alternative emphasizes the individual consideration or analysis of words, rather than their overall difference.

purposes apart

This alternative highlights the difference in intended goals or objectives.

words away

This suggests physical or conceptual distance between words, rather than difference.

orders apart

This refers to a difference in arrangement or sequence, often in a hierarchical context.

words together

This alternative emphasizes the relation between words, rather than differences.

languages apart

This alternative indicates a significant difference or barrier in communication due to language differences.

words aside

This is used to introduce a point that's relevant to the discussion, but apart from the main discussion.

messages apart

Focus on the contrast and distinctions of different messages.

lyrics apart

Emphasizes differences in the lyrics of songs.

FAQs

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

You can use "words apart" to describe opinions or concepts that are very different, such as "Their political views are "worlds apart"" or "The two proposals were "miles apart" in terms of cost".

What does "words apart" mean?

"Words apart" signifies that ideas, opinions, or situations are significantly different or in disagreement.

Which is the correct phrase, "words apart" or "worlds apart"?

Both "words apart" and ""worlds apart"" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Worlds apart" emphasizes a greater degree of difference or separation.

What can I say instead of "words apart"?

You can use alternatives like "far apart", ""miles apart"", or ""worlds apart"" depending on the context.