Confusing words explained
“apart” vs “a part” — What’s the Difference?
Apart (one word) is an adverb meaning separated or to one side: 'they live apart', 'I keep them apart'. A part (two words) is the indefinite article + noun meaning a portion or component: 'I want to be a part of the team'. Note the meanings are nearly opposite — 'apart of' the team would mean 'separated from' it.
Key takeaway
Quick Difference: apart vs a part
Apart (one word) is an adverb meaning separated or to one side: 'they live apart', 'I keep them apart'. A part (two words) is the indefinite article + noun meaning a portion or component: 'I want to be a part of the team'. Note the meanings are nearly opposite — 'apart of' the team would mean 'separated from' it.
apart vs a part Side-by-Side Comparison
Meaning of apart
Separated in distance or position; at a distance from each other.
Separated by some distance; not together or touching.
Use to describe physical separation between people or things, or emotional distance. Also used in phrasal verbs like 'fall apart' or 'set apart'.
- The two buildings stand far apart on the campus.
- They have been living apart for over a year.
Meaning of a part
How to Remember the Difference
Apart = separated (one word, alone); a part = a piece (two words, included).
Common Mistakes with apart and a part
Mistake with apart
Wrong: They are living apart, but they still see each other every day.
Correct: Although they are living apart, they still see each other every day.
Use a subordinating conjunction like 'although' to connect the contrasting ideas more clearly.
Mistake with apart
Wrong: The two countries are 5000 kilometers apart away from each other.
Correct: The two countries are 5000 kilometers apart.
Don't use 'away from each other' with 'apart'; 'apart' already conveys separation.
Practice Quiz: apart or a part?
Choose the word that best completes each real example sentence.
Question 1
The two buildings stand far _____ on the campus.
Question 2
They have been living _____ for over a year.
Question 3
Setting _____ sufficient resources for research ensures long-term institutional growth.
Pick at least one answer, then press Check answers to see how you did.
You scored 0 out of 3
Frequently Asked Questions About apart vs a part
What’s the difference between “apart” and “a part”?
Apart (one word) is an adverb meaning separated or to one side: 'they live apart', 'I keep them apart'. A part (two words) is the indefinite article + noun meaning a portion or component: 'I want to be a part of the team'. Note the meanings are nearly opposite — 'apart of' the team would mean 'separated from' it.
When should I use “apart”?
Use to describe physical separation between people or things, or emotional distance. Also used in phrasal verbs like 'fall apart' or 'set apart'.
How can I remember apart vs a part?
Apart = separated (one word, alone); a part = a piece (two words, included).
Is it “apart” or “a part” in example sentences?
Use the quiz above to test the pair with real example sentences from the available word data.