work apart

USAGE SUMMARY

"work apart" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means for two people or groups to do something separately or independently from each other. For example: "The two teams worked apart on the project, each taking on different tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What sets the brothers' work apart?

The Guardian

Work, apart from traditional farming and small trade, was scarce.

The New York Times

Instead of working together, people tend to work apart.

The Guardian - Money

"I never tore his work apart, " she recalled.

The New York Times - Style

Yes, this is an Old Master painting, but in a sense this is a work apart.

The Economist

" 'Descriptive work' apart from theory does not exist," he told me.

The New Yorker

I think the secret is, we've always made an effort to not work apart very often.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Later 17th-century work, apart from that of Milton, was more pedantic.

Britannica

"It's regrettable when someone decides their differences are so great they have to work apart.

The Washington Post

But it's the intrigue with danger that Roy-watchers say sets her work apart.

The New York Times

"Our approach towards form, surfaces, details and colors are all factors that potentially set our work apart," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work apart" to clearly indicate a deliberate separation in work efforts, whether due to logistical needs or strategic reasons. For instance, "To maximize efficiency, the design and engineering teams will "work apart" during the initial phase."

Common error

Avoid using "work apart" when you mean something is disintegrating or failing. "Fall apart" implies a breakdown, while "work apart" suggests a planned separation of tasks. For example, instead of saying 'The team's plan worked apart due to lack of coordination', say 'The team's plan fell apart due to a lack of coordination'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work apart" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating separation or independence in performing tasks or duties. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable. This means that individuals or groups are intentionally not collaborating directly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work apart" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that signifies performing tasks or activities separately. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's considered correct and usable in written English. With origins spanning across News & Media, Scientific research, and Encyclopedia articles, its register remains largely neutral. It's important to distinguish "work apart" from similar-sounding phrases like "fall apart", which implies failure rather than intentional separation. By understanding its function, purpose, and common contexts, writers can effectively use "work apart" to convey intentional division of labor, or strategic independence within a project.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work separately

Focuses on the manner of working: each entity does its work independently.

undertake separately

Focuses on the undertaking of a task or project in isolation.

execute separately

Focuses on the individual execution of a plan or task.

perform individually

Stresses that the performance is done by a single person.

handle independently

Emphasizes the ability to manage or deal with something without assistance.

operate independently

Emphasizes autonomy in operation, which may or may not involve work.

pursue independently

Highlights the independent nature of the pursuit of a goal or objective.

function autonomously

Highlights the self-governing aspect of the function, implying independence.

act alone

Implies a lack of collaboration or assistance in the action.

go solo

Informal; suggests choosing to work without partners or team members.

FAQs

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

You can use "work apart" to describe situations where individuals or teams are intentionally working separately on different aspects of a project. For example: "Although they are on the same team, they often "work apart" to focus on their individual strengths".

What does "work apart" mean in the context of a relationship?

In a relationship context, "work apart" might refer to a couple or partners deciding to live or "function autonomously" for a period, often to reassess their connection or individual goals.

Is it better to "work apart" or together?

Whether it's better to "work apart" or together depends on the specific situation, project requirements, and team dynamics. Working apart can increase individual focus and efficiency, while working together can foster collaboration and creativity. It's important to know how to "perform individually".

What are some alternative phrases for "work apart"?

Some alternative phrases for "work apart" include "work separately", "operate independently", or "function autonomously". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.