worlds apart

USAGE SUMMARY

"worlds apart" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two things that are vastly different from one another. For example, "Their beliefs were worlds apart and there seemed to be no ground for compromise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's worlds apart.

Independent

But the accommodations provided are worlds apart.

The New York Times

The two seem worlds apart.

The Guardian

Digested read, digested: Worlds apart.

The Guardian - Books

They share much, yet are worlds apart.

The Guardian - Sport

The authors of Worlds Apart are clear.

The Guardian - Opinion

But their streets are worlds apart.

The New York Times

Yet in economic terms they are worlds apart.

The Economist

Tennyson never meets Clare; they are worlds apart.

The New Yorker

Despite the directors' similar themes, their films are worlds apart.

The New York Times - Arts

"An encounter between two men who are worlds apart.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, ensure the context provides a clear basis for the comparison, allowing readers to readily understand the magnitude of the disparity.

Common error

Avoid using "worlds apart" to describe minor or superficial differences. This phrase is most effective when highlighting substantial and impactful contrasts. Using it for insignificant discrepancies diminishes its impact and can appear hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worlds apart" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of extreme difference or separation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature. The phrase paints a vivid picture of dissimilarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worlds apart" is a common and grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to describe significant differences between two or more things. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and usability. As evidenced by the examples, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, where it serves to vividly illustrate substantial contrasts. While versatile, it is most effective when used to highlight meaningful disparities rather than minor distinctions. Consider alternatives like "vastly different" or "poles apart" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vastly different

Emphasizes the extent of the difference.

poles apart

Uses a geographical metaphor to highlight opposition.

completely dissimilar

Directly states the lack of similarity.

entirely unlike

Highlights the absence of resemblance.

radically contrasting

Focuses on the sharp opposition between the subjects.

widely divergent

Suggests a significant deviation or separation.

at opposite extremes

Indicates positions at the furthest ends of a spectrum.

bearing no comparison

Implies that the subjects are so different they cannot be compared.

distinctly different

Emphasizes the clear and obvious differences.

as different as night and day

Uses a common idiom to illustrate extreme difference.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "worlds apart" in a sentence?

The phrase "worlds apart" is best used to emphasize significant differences between two or more things. For example, "In terms of technology, today's media and that of the 19th century are "worlds apart", but they still serve the same purpose."

What are some alternatives to "worlds apart" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "vastly different", "poles apart", or "completely dissimilar" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "worlds apart" in formal writing?

Yes, "worlds apart" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, depending on the context. It is a relatively common idiom that is widely understood.

What's the difference between "worlds apart" and "a world away"?

While both phrases suggest distance, "worlds apart" emphasizes significant differences, whereas "a world away" typically refers to physical or experiential distance. You might say "Their beliefs were "worlds apart"", but "That vacation felt like a "world away"".