Apart vs Part: Do These Mean The Same? How To Use Them

Are you confused about when to use “apart” and “part” in your writing? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings and uses. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between “apart” and “part” and provide examples of how to use each word correctly.

Let’s clarify which of the two is the proper word to use in different contexts. “Apart” is an adverb that means “separate from” or “at a distance from.” For example, “The two friends stood apart from each other to maintain social distancing.” On the other hand, “part” can be a noun or a verb that means “a piece or segment of a whole” or “to divide or separate.” For example, “I need to take part in the meeting” or “Can you part your hair on the other side?”

Now that we have a better understanding of the meanings of “apart” and “part,” let’s dive into how to use them correctly in your writing.

Define Apart

When something is “apart,” it means that it is separated or isolated from something else. It can refer to physical distance between objects or people, as well as emotional or social distance between individuals or groups.

For example, if two people are standing “apart” from each other, they are not standing close together. If someone feels “apart” from their community, they may feel disconnected or alienated from the people around them.

The word “apart” can also be used as an adverb, meaning “separately” or “away from each other.” For instance, if someone takes two puzzle pieces “apart,” they are separating them from each other.

Define Part

“Part” can have several different meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. Generally, it refers to a piece or portion of something larger.

For example, a “part” of a whole can refer to a physical piece of an object, such as a car part or a piece of furniture. It can also refer to an abstract portion of something, such as a part of a speech or a part of a plan.

The word “part” can also be used as a verb, meaning to divide or separate something into smaller pieces. For example, if someone “parts” their hair, they are dividing it into sections.

Additionally, “part” can be used as a noun to refer to a role or function that someone plays in a larger group or organization. For instance, an actor may have a “part” in a play, or a team member may have a specific “part” to play in a project.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using words correctly in a sentence can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to similar-sounding words such as “apart” and “part.” In this section, we will explore how to use these two words in a sentence correctly.

How To Use “Apart” In A Sentence

The word “apart” is an adverb that means separated by a distance or interval. It is commonly used to describe the distance between two objects or people. Here are a few examples of how to use “apart” in a sentence:

• After the argument, the couple decided to live apart for a while.
• The two buildings were located several miles apart from each other.
• She pulled the curtains apart to let in some light.

It is important to note that “apart” is not interchangeable with “a part.” The former means separated, while the latter means a piece or portion of something.

How To Use “Part” In A Sentence

The word “part” is a noun that refers to a piece or portion of something. It can also be used as a verb to mean to divide or separate. Here are a few examples of how to use “part” in a sentence:

• I only ate a small part of the cake.
• She played a key part in the success of the project.
• The river parting the valley was a breathtaking sight.

It is important to note that “part” is not interchangeable with “apart.” The former refers to a piece or portion of something, while the latter means separated by a distance or interval.

More Examples Of Apart & Part Used In Sentences

Understanding the proper use of apart and part in a sentence is crucial to avoid confusion and ensure clear communication. Here are some more examples of how these words can be used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Apart In A Sentence

• He was standing apart from the crowd.
• The two friends were forced apart after a disagreement.
• The two buildings were located several miles apart.
• She set apart some money for a rainy day.
• The twins were identical apart from their eye color.
• He was torn apart by his conflicting emotions.
• The two events were months apart.
• The two teams were evenly matched apart from their defense.
• The two paintings were vastly different apart from their color scheme.
• She was happy to be apart from her ex-boyfriend.

Examples Of Using Part In A Sentence

• The sun is just one part of our solar system.
• The company’s success is due in part to its innovative marketing strategy.
• She played a key part in the development of the new product.
• He took part in the marathon to raise money for charity.
• The book is divided into three parts.
• She was a part of the team that won the championship.
• He was struggling to find his part in the play.
• The car’s engine is made up of many different parts.
• The company is looking for someone to fill the vacant part-time position.
• The hotel was damaged as part of the hurricane.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “apart” and “part,” many people tend to mix them up, leading to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Apart” Instead Of “A Part”

One of the most common mistakes is using “apart” instead of “a part.” “Apart” means separated or at a distance, while “a part” means a piece or component of something. For example, “I am a part of the team” is correct, while “I am apart of the team” is incorrect.

Using “Part” Instead Of “Apart”

Another common mistake is using “part” instead of “apart.” “Apart” means separated or at a distance, while “part” means a piece or component of something. For example, “The two buildings are apart from each other” is correct, while “The two buildings are part from each other” is incorrect.

Confusing “Apart” And “A Part” In Sentences

Using “apart” and “a part” interchangeably in a sentence can also lead to confusion. For example, “The two buildings are a part from each other” is incorrect, while “The two buildings are apart from each other” is correct.

Not Considering Context

It’s important to consider the context in which the words are being used. For example, “I took the toy apart” is correct because it means to disassemble something, while “I took the toy a part” is incorrect because it doesn’t make sense in the context of the sentence.

Tips To Avoid Making Mistakes

• Double-check the meaning of the word before using it in a sentence.
• Read the sentence out loud to ensure it makes sense.
• Consider the context in which the word is being used.
• Practice using the words correctly in different sentences.

Context Matters

Choosing between apart and part can be tricky, as they are both used to describe things that are separate or disconnected. However, the context in which they are used can greatly influence which one is the correct choice.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between apart and part might change:

Context	Example	Correct Choice
Physical Distance	The two houses were ________ by a large field.	apart
Separation	The broken vase was in two ________.	parts
Inclusion	The blue M&M was ________ of the candy mix.	part
Exclusion	The red M&M was ________ from the candy mix.	left out or apart
Contribution	Each member played a ________ in the success of the project.	part
Separate Entities	The two companies were ________ of the same industry.	part

As you can see, the choice between apart and part can vary greatly depending on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the meaning of the sentence and the relationship between the words being used in order to make the correct choice.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using apart and part are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to be aware of. In certain contexts, these words may be used in ways that do not follow the typical guidelines.

Exceptions For “Apart”

• As an adverb: In some cases, “apart” can be used as an adverb to mean “separately” or “at a distance from each other.” For example, “The two houses were set apart from each other by a large garden.”
• In set phrases: There are some set phrases in which “apart” is used in a way that does not follow the usual rules. For instance, “take apart” means “to disassemble,” while “apart from” means “except for” or “aside from.” For example, “Apart from the weather, everything was perfect.”

Exceptions For “Part”

• As a verb: While “part” is typically used as a noun, it can also be used as a verb to mean “to separate” or “to divide.” For instance, “He parted the curtains to let in the sunlight.”
• In idiomatic expressions: There are some idiomatic expressions that use “part” in ways that don’t follow the usual rules. For example, “part and parcel” means “an essential part of” or “inextricably linked with.” For instance, “Stress is part and parcel of modern life.”

Understanding these exceptions can help you use “apart” and “part” more effectively in your writing. By being aware of these nuances, you can ensure that your meaning is clear and your writing is accurate.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of apart and part is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to help you:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Complete the following sentences by filling in the blank with either apart or part:

1. I can’t find my keys. They must be _____ of my bag.
2. She was so nervous, she felt like she was falling _____.
3. Can you please take _____ in the meeting tomorrow?
4. He was _____ of the team that won the championship.
5. The two friends had a fight and decided to go their separate _____.

Answer Key:

1. part
2. apart
3. part
4. part
5. ways

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:

1. She was _____ of the problem.
   1. apart
   2. part
2. Can you please take _____ in the project?
   1. apart
   2. part
3. The two friends had a fight and decided to go their separate _____.
   1. apart
   2. part
4. I can’t find my keys. They must be _____ of my bag.
   1. apart
   2. part
5. He was _____ of the team that won the championship.
   1. apart
   2. part

Answer Key:

1. part
2. part
3. ways
4. part
5. part

Exercise 3: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite the following sentences using either apart or part:

1. The broken vase was in many pieces.
   • Rewrite: The broken vase was _____.
2. The two sisters were always together.
   • Rewrite: The two sisters were never _____.
3. He was a member of the team that won the championship.
   • Rewrite: He was _____ of the team that won the championship.

Answer Key:

1. apart
2. apart
3. part

Conclusion

After reading this article, it should be clear that the words “apart” and “part” have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Remember that “apart” means separate or isolated, while “part” refers to a piece or portion of something larger.

It’s important to pay attention to the context in which these words are used, as well as their spelling and pronunciation. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion and misunderstandings in both written and spoken communication.

Key Takeaways:

• “Apart” means separate or isolated.
• “Part” refers to a piece or portion of something larger.
• Context, spelling, and pronunciation are important when using these words.

It’s always a good idea to continue learning about grammar and language use. By doing so, you can improve your communication skills and avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone who wants to express themselves more clearly, there’s always more to learn.