I
verb
BAD : He refuses to part from his old camera.
GOOD : He refuses to part with his old camera.
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part from a person: 'The two sisters were parted from each other when they were sent to different schools.'
part with a thing: 'Getting them to part with the money won't be easy.'
II
noun
1
BAD : A part of the difficulty was caused by her poor English.
GOOD : Part of the difficulty was caused by her poor English.
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It is unusual to use a before part of unless part of has an adjective in front of it. Compare: 'Lack of money was part of the problem.' 'Lack of money was a large part of the problem.'
2
See PART 4 (↑ part ), 5, 6
3
BAD : The country is vast and occupies the most part of the continent.
GOOD : The country is vast and occupies most of the continent.
BAD : For the most part of his life he was devoted to his work.
GOOD : For most of his life he was devoted to his work.
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most of (NOT most part of ): 'She spent most of the morning in bed.'
Note however the fixed phrase for the most part (= almost completely; mainly): 'The machines have for the most part been replaced.'
4
BAD : The annual celebration takes part in Valencia on 19th March.
GOOD : The annual celebration takes place in Valencia on 19th March.
BAD : The election will take part within the next two years.
GOOD : The election will take place within the next two years.
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When you take part in an activity, you do it together with other people: 'Altogether there are seventy-three competitors taking part in the race.' 'She's been invited to take part in a TV quiz programme.'
take place = (of a planned event) happen: 'The next meeting of the Nature Society will take place on Tuesday 3rd March.'
5
Did you take part in Yolanda's party on Saturday?
GOOD : Did you go to Yolanda's party on Saturday?
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go to a party/wedding etc (NOT take part in ): 'We can't go to the party if we haven't been invited.'
6
I think you ought to take part in a club.
GOOD : I think you ought to join a club.
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join a club/society etc (NOT take part in ): 'Guy is thinking about joining the drama society.'