“Apart” vs “A Part”

The English language seems to be easy to learn since almost all schools of all countries study it. Even if it’s the second language of other nations, in one way or another they somehow can get by in speaking the language.

My second language is also English. I find it easy to learn since it interests me. Even if some of our people can’t afford to go to school and learn the language, they can still keep up with English conversations though they admit that most of their grammar is broken. Even so, the important thing is that we can understand the language.

English is the most widely used language medium in the world. When I was little (probably during my elementary days), I asked my mother why do we need to study this foreign language? She just said that, “It is the universal language.” I still didn’t understand. Is it because Westerners are the most powerful in the whole world? That is why we need to follow their language too? Yes, even when I was just in elementary school, I thought of these things. Nevertheless, I like English since it is my favorite subject.

I often think that those nations with English as their first language have flawless grammar since it is their own.

Then one day, I stumbled upon a forum or some just random article saying, “Our country is just a mile a part.”

I replied with a quick post, “What do you mean by that?”

The topic starter said, “Can’t you read? Or can’t you understand? LOL.”

He just made a proud laugh. It made me irritated.

Then I said, “I think you meant ‘apart’ not ‘a part.’”

He made a reply and said, “I am American. I know what I am saying.”

Then I thought, yeah, he is an American, and I am only a mere foreigner learning their language. He was implying that I couldn’t win against his reasoning and his perfect English since it is his first language. I know that my English is not as perfect as his, but at least I know how to use “apart” and “a part.”

I didn’t reply anymore because the conversation was already nonsense. To all readers out there, here is the difference between “apart” and “a part.” Read on so that you will not make the same mistake like he did.

Here are the details of my online research based on answers.yahoo.com and answers.com.

Apart is an adverb meaning:

1. At a distance in place, position, or time. Example: “She and her brother were born one year apart.”

2. Away from another or others. Example: “Lisa and Bob decided to live apart.”

3. In or into parts or pieces. Example: “The karate black belt athlete splits the wood apart.”

4. One from another. Example: “I can’t tell the twins apart.”

5. Aside or in reserve, as for a separate use or purpose. Example: “The company has funds set apart for the presentation.”

6. As a distinct item or entity. Example: “This brand’s quality sets it apart from other brands.”

7. So as to except or exclude from consideration, aside. Example: “Kidding apart, I think that’s not right.”

“A part” is a set of nouns meaning:

1. A portion, division, piece, or segment of a whole. Example: “That puzzle piece is a part of my labyrinth image puzzle.”

2. An organ, member, or other division of an organism. Example: “The tail is not a part of the guinea pig.”

3. A role. Example: “I will be playing a part in our theater play.”

“Apart” and “a part” have other several uses. If you don’t understand the usage of the terms, don’t use them until you consult a dictionary first.

Summary:

1. “Apart” is an adverb. “A part” is a set of nouns.

2. “Apart” generally means “at a distance.”

3. “A part” generally means “a portion of.”

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