Apart or a part? It’s a common question I hear, one like a lot vs. alot, even from professional writers! But the difference between those two questions is that both apart and a part are correct. It just depends on how you’re using them. So, I’ll discuss both definitions and show you how to tell the difference!
A Part vs. Apart: What’s the Difference?
One of the obvious differences between “a part” and “apart” is that they’re written differently. “A part” is a combo of two separate words, but “apart” is a single word.
But apart means to be away from something, or you can use it instead of saying “other than.”
A part is used to talk about a piece of something, like a piece of pie is a part of the pie.
Is Apart One Word?
Yes, “apart” is one word. It’s a simple adverb that means “separate from” or “away from.” My half-brother was raised by his mom and not by my father, so I could say he was raised apart from us. Make sense?
When to Use Apart
You should use the adverb “apart” when describing something that’s separate or isolated from something. It can be applied to inanimate objects and people alike.
When to Use ‘a Part’
The combo of article and noun, “a part,” is the phrase that describes a piece of something or a role that someone plays, like having a part in a play or concert.
How to Spell Apart
If you’re talking about the adverb, then it’s a-p-a-r-t. But if you’re talking about the combination of two words “a” and “part,” then it’s “a space p-a-r-t.”
Using Apart in a Sentence
- The two houses are located apart from each other.
- My half-brother was raised apart from us, but we still have a good relationship.
- Apart from ice cream, I’m not a big fan of dairy products.
- The company has fallen apart due to poor management.
- I need time to think, so I’ll take the day apart from my coworkers.
The shocking moment a lion rips apart and EATS a helpless cub: Cannibal cat asserts its dominance on his pride in brutal fashion (The Daily Mail)
Using a Part in a Sentence
- I am a part of the school’s drama club, and it’s so much fun.
- My daughter played a part in the school play she had practiced so hard for.
- I absolutely love being a part of the Grammarist team!
- My husband had a meeting with the CEO and asked for a part of the profits.
- I only ate a part of my sandwich for lunch and saved the other part for later.
A part of Manhattan’s immigrant past vanished with everything else on 9/11 (Newsday)
Apart and a Part Are Both Correct
Yes, “apart” and “a part” might seem similar at first glance, but they both have distinct meanings that are important to understand because they create entirely different contexts around them. I always remember the difference by thinking of “a” and “part” as parts themselves. By keeping these differences in mind, you can use these phrases properly in your writing and conversation.