Spoonful #76: APART VS. A PART

A Spoonful of Grammar is thrilled to be back! Since we've been APART for nearly two months, it feels appropriate to review the many meanings of APART in this short, sweet return spoonful.
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Definition #1: away from or separated by a distance
Erin feared living too far apart from her family.

Definition #2: at a distance or off to the side
Aaron stood 6-feet apart from the kids who were clustered together. 

Definition #3: shattered
An airplane was purposely blown apart in the movie My Spy. 

Definition #4: (with from) except
Everyone complied with the rules, apart from Mr. Mills. 

Definition #5: (with from) indistinguishable
The Thompson twins were extremely hard to tell apart. 

You may be wondering, "Are APART and A PART interchangeable?" The short answer is NO! 

A PART is comprised of two words and most commonly refers to part of a whole. Here's a good rule of thumb: if you can use the word PART, you can usually substitute A PART. My parting wish is that you and your families remain happy and safe during this challenging time. 

Sincerely,
Laura Fineberg Cooper

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