Apart vs. A Part
Apart is usually an adverb meaning separated by distance/time or into separate pieces. A part is the article “a” plus the noun “part,” meaning one component or portion of a larger whole. The spacing reflects a real grammatical and semantic difference.
Use “apart” for separation (“The chairs are far apart”). Use “a part” when you mean one component or portion (“She is a part of the team”).
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning | Use | Typical construction |
|---|---|---|
| Separated by distance/time or into pieces | apart | Adverb: “The chairs are two metres apart.” |
| One component or member of a larger whole | a part | Article + noun: “a part of the team.” |
| Unsure | try “one part” | If “one part” fits, the two-word noun phrase is likely intended. |
Quick tests
Component test
Do you mean one component, member, or portion of a larger whole?
If yes: Use “a part.”
If no: If you mean separated, use “apart.”
Caveat: Spacing reflects a real grammatical and semantic difference.
Examples
The two offices are five kilometres apart.
“Apart” expresses separation.
She is a part of the review team.
“A part” means one member or component.
The committee is apart of the project.
Better: The committee is a part of the project.
The intended noun phrase is “a part of.”
The two offices are miles apart.
Separation adverb versus article + noun phrase meaning one component.
She is a part of the research team.
Separation adverb versus article + noun phrase meaning one component.
Further guidance
Apart Boundary
Cambridge defines apart as separated by distance/time and also as into separate pieces.
Part Boundary
Cambridge defines part as a piece, component, or portion of a larger whole.
Replacement Test
If “one part/component” fits, the two-word noun phrase a part is likely; if “separately” fits, apart is likely.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Apart (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Apart as separated/in pieces
- Part (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Part as noun forming a part