Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding 'Set Apart' – Definition & Usage

"To set apart the worthy from the mundane is to discern the true value in a world of appearances and illusions."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'set apart' means to distinguish or separate someone or something due to particular characteristics or qualities, making them different from others.

Examples in context

Her distinct style of painting sets her apart in the art world.
Advanced technology will set this smartphone apart from its competitors.
His storytelling ability truly sets him apart as an author.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'set apart' means to distinguish or separate someone or something due to particular characteristics or qualities, making them different from others.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

You can insert an object between the verb and particle.

Neutral

Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	set apart	Unique skills can set you apart in job interviews.
Past Simple	set apart	Her dedication set her apart from other candidates.
Present Continuous	setting apart	The new features are setting apart this product from the rest.
Present Perfect	have set apart	Innovative designs have set the company apart in the market.

💡 When to Use

Highlighting uniqueness

Use this phrase when describing something's distinct qualities or characteristics that differentiate it from others.

Example: "Her innovative approach sets her apart from her peers."

Emphasizing special skills

Apply this when talking about skills or talents that differentiate someone from others in the same field.

Example: "His ability to solve complex problems sets him apart from other engineers."

Noting exclusive features

Employ this phrase when noting features that distinguish a product or service.

Example: "The phone's battery life sets it apart from other models."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect placement of object

❌ Wrong: He apart set his skills from others.

✅ Correct: He set his skills apart from others.

💡 Tip: Remember the object comes between 'set' and 'apart'.

Tense confusion

❌ Wrong: They has set apart the designs.

✅ Correct: They have set apart the designs.

💡 Tip: Use 'have' for present perfect tense with plural subjects.

Misunderstanding separability

❌ Wrong: Set apart the design it.

✅ Correct: Set the design apart.

💡 Tip: The object should directly follow 'set' in a separable verb.

Practice

SET APART - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

Her distinct style of painting sets her apart in the art world.
Urban Compact Living
2
Listen to example

Advanced technology will set this smartphone apart from its competitors.
Urban Compact Living
3
Listen to example

His storytelling ability truly sets him apart as an author.
Urban Compact Living

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

distinguish differentiate

Antonyms

blend in

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Her innovative ideas ___ her apart in the tech industry."

set up

set apart

set about

set off

In Context

Albert Einstein, a renowned physicist whose theories set him apart, was born in 1879. His curiosity and unique thinking abilities set apart his childhood from his peers. As a young man, Einstein initially struggled to secure academic positions, facing numerous rejections. However, his persistence and innovative thinking set him apart in the scientific community, leading to groundbreaking work, particularly the theory of relativity, published in 1905. This theory transformed our understanding of space and time, setting apart Einstein as a revolutionary figure in physics. Despite the upheaval of two world wars and living through turbulent times, Einstein's work continually set him apart, garnering him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. His contributions to science and humanity marked him as a beacon of intellectual pursuit. In his later years, Einstein advocated for peace, which set him apart as not only a scientist but also a humanitarian. His legacy, persisting decades after his death in 1955, underscores how vision and perseverance can transcend temporal and cultural barriers, leaving a lasting impact that truly sets a person apart.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Set Apart

What is the origin of set apart?

'Set apart' originates from combining the verb 'set', meaning to place something, and 'apart', denoting separation or distinction, tracing back to Old English.

Can set apart be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'set apart' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to describe distinctions or unique qualities effectively.

What is the difference between 'set apart' and 'distinguish'?

'Set apart' generally implies an active positioning or separation, while 'distinguish' focuses on recognizing differences. Both can describe unique qualities, but context varies.

Browse All Tiny House Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

SET APART - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Set Apart

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega