a clean separation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clean separation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clear and distinct division between two entities, concepts, or groups. Example: "In order to maintain professionalism, it is important to have a clean separation between personal and work-related matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"It wasn't a clean separation," Mr. Cohen told the TV audience.

The New York Times

One would expect steel blades to provide a clean separation, but I'm still Gchatting my ex-boyfriend, like, every other day.

The New Yorker

The combustion quickly generates temperatures in excess of 2,000 °C (3,600 °F), giving a clean separation of chromium from the slag.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And there is no achieving a clean separation between him and them: This suggests that Kilgrave's power isn't "mind control" at all, but something more limited but also, paradoxically, more invasive.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The use of virtual machine cloudlets enables a clean separation.

Journal of Cloud Computing

A signal confirming a clean separation for Sentinel-1a from the rocket was received shortly afterwards.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

While this fractionation scheme (based on salt extraction) gave a relatively clean separation between each compartment, we cannot exclude the possibility that some NOVA protein was not extracted from each compartment under these conditions.

eLife

We agree that the histogram has an unusually clean separation between the two groups; this is likely a chance occurrence and also reflects the fact that not very many units were recorded, so it is fairly statistically likely to observe a gap in a binned histogram because we don't have extensive sampling of units.

eLife

To achieve a standardized reproducible clean separation of the intact periosteum from the bone when creating the subperiosteal tunnel, an ultrasonic device was used (Piezotome II or Implantcenter II/Satelec-ACTEON/France) for preparation with the BS 4-tip.

BioMed Research International

[BIII] Cleaning carts should have a clear separation between clean and soiled items, should never contain personal items and should be thoroughly cleaned at the end of the day.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control

A precision, low-mass straw tube tracker will measure electron momenta with a precision of 1/1000, allowing clean separation of the conversion signal from Decay In Orbit electrons, the principle experimental background.

Nuclear Physics B - Proceedings Supplements

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clean separation" when you want to emphasize a clear and unambiguous division between two things, whether they are ideas, entities, or physical objects.

Common error

Avoid using "a clean separation" in very informal or casual conversations where simpler terms like "clear division" or "distinct break" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clean separation" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as an object or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a clean separation" describes a clear and distinct division, suitable for formal and technical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While it is not exceedingly common, it effectively communicates clarity and precision in various fields like science, technology, and news reporting. When aiming for simplicity in informal settings, consider alternatives like "a clear distinction". Using "a clean separation" demonstrates attention to detail and a focus on well-defined boundaries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear distinction

Replaces "clean" with "clear", emphasizing clarity of the separation.

a distinct division

Substitutes "separation" with "division", focusing on the act of dividing.

a sharp demarcation

Uses "demarcation" to highlight a boundary or limit being set.

a well-defined boundary

Focuses on the clarity and precision of the separating line.

a complete severance

Emphasizes the finality and thoroughness of the separation.

a formal dissociation

Highlights a structured or official separation.

an unambiguous split

Stresses the lack of ambiguity in the separation.

a decisive parting

Conveys the firm and resolute nature of the separation.

a neat segregation

Uses "segregation" to emphasize the act of keeping things apart in an organized way.

a crisp delineation

Highlights the sharp and clear definition of the separation.

FAQs

How can I use "a clean separation" in a sentence?

You can use "a clean separation" to describe a clear division or distinction between two things. For instance: "The new software provides "a clean separation" between the user interface and the data processing layers".

What's a good alternative to "a clean separation"?

Alternatives include "a clear distinction", "a distinct division", or "a sharp demarcation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is "a clean separation" most appropriate?

"A clean separation" is often used in technical, scientific, and formal contexts where clarity and precision are important. Examples include software architecture, legal agreements, and scientific experiments.

Is "a clear separation" or "a clean separation" more common?

Both phrases are valid, but "a clear separation" might be slightly more common in general usage, while "a clean separation" can imply a more thorough or deliberate division.