a difficult parting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult parting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where saying goodbye is emotionally challenging or painful. Example: "After spending a wonderful summer together, saying goodbye was a difficult parting for both of them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A difficult parting of the ways with Glyndebourne in 2000.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Epstein grew up in Boston and conceded it was difficult parting company with the team he rooted for his entire life.

The New York Times - Sports

Milesa and other foster-parents have gone through difficult partings with children who were adopted or who returned to their birth families, but, as she says, the ties never break.

Unicef

Rowan Williams' parting wish, as he bid farewell to Lambeth Palace after a difficult decade, was that his successor might be blessed with "the constitution of an ox and the skin of a rhinoceros".

The Guardian - Opinion

Especially difficult was parting with the albums of Fairuz, the delicate flaxen-haired queen of Lebanese music.

The New York Times - Magazine

"At the same time, this is a parting that is particularly difficult for us.

The Guardian - Sport

Once a decision has been made to either withhold or withdraw therapy, a clear explanation of what the family should expect, in terms of actions to be taken and the expected time course of events, might in part reduce uncertainty and prepare the family for the difficult and final parting from a loved one.

Critical Care

How can a parting be a parting when it is already a piece of what comes next?

The New Yorker

And that can be the most difficult aspect of parting with a collection.

The New York Times

After a few more conversations, but in quite a cordial fashion, we agreed to a parting of ways.

Environmental Health Perspectives

For Macdonald, this is a painful parting.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a separation, use "a difficult parting" to convey the emotional challenge and pain associated with saying goodbye, especially in situations where relationships or attachments are significant.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "a difficult parting" if the context calls for more nuanced emotional expression. Consider specific details of the situation to use more descriptive language that captures the unique aspects of the separation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult parting" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific instance of separation or departure. The adjective "difficult" modifies the noun "parting", indicating that the separation is emotionally or practically challenging. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult parting" is a noun phrase used to describe a separation or farewell marked by emotional or practical challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While suitable alternatives like "a challenging farewell" or "a painful separation" exist, "a difficult parting" effectively conveys the sense of emotional weight and complexity associated with saying goodbye. Its frequency is categorized as common, mainly appearing in news and media, formal business, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately captures the specific challenges and emotions of the parting being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging farewell

Replaces 'difficult' with 'challenging' and 'parting' with 'farewell', emphasizing the struggle of saying goodbye.

a painful separation

Focuses on the emotional distress of the separation, substituting 'difficult' with 'painful' and 'parting' with 'separation'.

a tough goodbye

Uses more informal language, replacing 'difficult' with 'tough' and 'parting' with 'goodbye'.

an emotional farewell

Highlights the emotional aspect of saying goodbye, changing 'difficult' to 'emotional' and 'parting' to 'farewell'.

a heartbreaking departure

Emphasizes the sadness and sorrow associated with the separation, using stronger emotional language.

a grievous split

Emphasizes the severity and painfulness of the separation using 'grievous' and 'split'.

a sorrowful adieu

Uses more formal and literary language to express the sadness of the parting.

a wrenching send-off

Conveys a feeling of emotional distress and forceful separation.

a regrettable severing

Focuses on the sense of loss and wishing things were different, changing the emotional tone slightly.

a trying leave-taking

Highlights the demanding nature of the separation, using 'trying' and the more formal 'leave-taking'.

FAQs

How can I use "a difficult parting" in a sentence?

You can use "a difficult parting" to describe a situation where saying goodbye is emotionally challenging. For example, "After many years of working together, it was "a difficult parting" for the team members".

What can I say instead of "a difficult parting"?

You can use alternatives like "a challenging farewell", "a tough goodbye", or "a painful separation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a difficult parting" or "a difficult separation"?

Both "a difficult parting" and "a difficult separation" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Parting" emphasizes the act of saying goodbye, while "separation" focuses on the state of being apart.

What's the difference between "a difficult parting" and "a sad farewell"?

"A difficult parting" highlights the emotional challenge of the separation, while "a sad farewell" emphasizes the feeling of sorrow associated with saying goodbye. The phrases are similar, but "a difficult parting" can also imply logistical or practical challenges in addition to emotional ones.