Apart vs. A Part—Master the Difference Now

A part and apart are often confused, especially by non-native speakers of English. Apart is mostly used as an adverb, denoting a separation between two or more things. A part (two words) means “a fraction of a whole,” or in theatre, “an actor’s role.” Apart from is a frequently used preposition.

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The two expressions are identical in spelling but for a space, and they have similar origins. Apart came to English from the Latin words ad, meaning “to,” and pars, meaning “a piece, division, or share.” Part is derived from partem, the Latin accusative form of pars. Isn’t it amazing how a word that is all about separation came to be so similar to a phrase that has to do with being integral to a unified whole?

Here’s a tip: The difference between apart and a part is that apart implies a separation between things (they are away from one another), and a part denotes that a thing is a share of another, bigger thing (there’s togetherness going on).

When to Use “Apart”

Use apart adverbially to show how two things are separated physically, figuratively, or in time. Carefully avoid using a part when this is your intended meaning.

My parents had my sister and me two years a part .

My parents had my sister and me two years apart .

Michelle and her husband don’t like to be a part for more than an hour or two.

Michelle and her husband don’t like to be apart for more than an hour or two.

My sister and I used to live close to one another, but now we live miles a part .

My sister and I used to live close to one another, but now we live miles apart .

It can also be used to mean “to render in parts or pieces.”

The manager meant to bring his staff closer together with the “trust fall” exercise, but instead he tore them apart .

I sewed the hem too short on this dress, so I’m going to take it apart .

Apart from can be used as a preposition meaning “besides” or “except for.”

Apart from all the work I did keeping the rental house clean, it was a very enjoyable holiday.

Apart can also be used as an adjective in the sense of separate or isolated.

My taste in books and Samantha’s are worlds apart .

When to Use “A Part”

A part is two words: a is an article and part is a noun synonymous with piece. A part is frequently seen in the company of the preposition of.

Our neighbor Lucy has always felt like a part of our family.

May I have a part of your steak?

After a year or so, Mary began to feel like a part of her community.

Keep in mind that the article a might not be essential to your sentence. These three sentences, for example, are identical in meaning to the three above, and are equally correct.

Our neighbor Lucy has always felt like part of our family.

May I have part of your steak?

After a year or so, Mary began to feel like part of her community.

Of course, part can also refer to a piece of something in the sense of component.

I’d like to fix my bike, but I have to buy a part for it.

Last, a part can refer to an actor’s role in a play, musical, or film.

Did you audition for a part in the school play?