Difference Between Apart and A Part
For some words which are confused and used interchangeably, the root cause is the evolution of the original word over time across various countries. However, there are some words that have different meanings and spellings but still sound the same. Such words are called homophones.
Without a doubt, the words Apart and A Part are homophones since they sound the same. But this clearly does not mean that they are the same words. To understand how they are different from each other, let us first look at them individually.
“Apart” | “A Part” | |
Part of | Adverb | Phrase |
Meaning | Separate or away from each other | A portion or component of something larger |
Example | “They live apart from each other.” | “He played a part in the success of the project.” |
Usage | Describes separation or isolation | Refers to a specific role, contribution, or segment within a larger context |
Apart vs A Part | Difference between Apart and A part
Although “Apart” and “A part” words are used very commonly, there is still a lot of confusion around the words ‘Apart’ and ‘A part’. Both these words are quite similar to each other in spelling, but both have different meanings and usage. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a clear understanding of the differences between these words.
1.”Apart”:
The term “apart” is an adverb that means “separate” or “away from each other”. It indicates a sense of isolation or distance. Consider the following examples:
- “They live apart from each other”.
- “She pulled the puzzle pieces apart”.
As shown, “apart” is used to describe the physical or figurative separation between objects, individuals, or ideas. It emphasizes a state of being separate or distinct.
2.“A Part”:
On the other hand, “a part” is a term that comprises the article “a” and the noun “part”. It indicates a portion or component of something larger. Here are some examples:
- “He played a part in the success of the project”.
- “Each team member has a part to play in the production”.
In these instances, “a part” refers to a specific role, contribution, or segment within a whole. It highlights the involvement or inclusion of something or someone in a particular context.