Understanding the Difference Between Apart and A Part

Understanding “Apart” vs. “A Part”

Word History

The word “apart” has been used in English since the 14th century. It comes from Latin origins, meaning “to separate.” “A part,” although it looks similar, is actually two words from Middle English. “A” means one, and “part” comes from Latin “pars,” meaning a piece of something.

How to Use “Apart”

“Apart” is an adverb. It means separate or away from something else. It can describe distance or difference.

• The red apple fell apart from the green apples.
• John and Sarah live apart because of work.
• The school is just a street apart from the park.
• The twin sisters dress apart to look different.
• The puzzle came apart when I bumped the table.

How to Use “A Part”

“A part” refers to a piece or a section of something larger. It is used as a noun.

• I want to be a part of the soccer team.
• This book is a part of a series.
• He felt proud to be a part of the community project.
• She keeps the recipe as a part of her cooking secrets.
• Every student plays a part in the class play.

Trick to Remember the Difference

To remember the difference: “Apart” is one word and means “separated.” If you can say “separate” instead in a sentence, you probably need “apart.” “A part” is two words and means a piece of something. If you can think of it as “a piece,” you need “a part.”

Summary

Use “apart” when talking about something being separate or different. Use “a part” when talking about a piece or section of something. By remembering these tips, you can use “apart” and “a part” correctly in sentences.