a line of separation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a line of separation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a boundary or distinction between two entities, groups, or ideas. Example: "The treaty established a line of separation between the two countries, ensuring peace and cooperation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Tenderness and physical passion are mutual between the dancers, but the tango is a line of separation not crossed by either.

The New York Times - Arts

Adapted for use in this exhibition, Califas provides new ways of seeing California and Baja California – as borderlands before walls, when people understood the border as a connecting tissue not a line of separation.

University of California, Berkeley

Our Correspondent Kevin Connolly has been to the Golan Heights where a line of separation divides Syria from Israeli-occupied territory to see what the future looks like from there.

BBC

The result was a clear visualization of proximity and separation between controls and pain subjects, and a minimization of the problem faced by the classifier in finding a line of separation in two dimensions.

Bioinformatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Alternative worksites are ideal for employees who prefer a clear line of separation between work and home, the capacity to interact with others and the ability to take advantage of different workspace options.

Stanford University

A proposition, however, having been lately made by our commander-in-chief, to assume the Sabine river as a temporary line of separation between the troops of the two nations until the issue of our negotiations shall be known; this has been referred by the Spanish commandant to his superior, and in the meantime, he has withdrawn his force to the western side of the Sabine river.

Yale University

In this case dedifferentiation is favored due to a distinct line of separation between meningioma (low grade component) and osteosarcoma (high grade component) showing high grade morphology with loss of immunoreactivity to various immunomarkers, high Ki-67 index, and increased mean vascular density.

BMC Cancer

"We often draw an artificial line of separation between East Africa and Arabia, but the fact is that there is constant back and forth between the regions," Pham said.

Vice

Footage of protesters blocking three buses aired nationally, and photos of heated protesters on either side of the issue yelling across a police-created line of separation have appeared on news sites and in newspapers.

Los Angeles Times

"Judicial caveats against entanglement must recognize that the line of separation, far from being a "wall," is a blurred, indistinct, and variable barrier depending on all the circumstances of a particular relationship".

Wikipedia

Quoting from a 1972 Supreme Court case about public financing of private schools, the opinion noted that the line of separation between church and state, "far from being a wall, is a blurred, indistinct and variable depending on all the circumstances of a particular relationship".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a line of separation", ensure the context clearly defines what is being separated. Specify the entities or concepts to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a line of separation" in overly abstract or vague contexts where a more specific term would provide greater clarity. For example, instead of saying 'There's a line of separation in their thinking', consider using 'Their thinking diverges significantly'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a line of separation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a boundary or distinction between two entities, ideas, or areas. As Ludwig AI correctly indicates, it's a standard phrase used to denote a clear division.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a line of separation" is a noun phrase denoting a boundary or distinction. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse contexts like news, academia, and science. While not highly frequent, its use is valid and important for clarity. Related phrases like ""a boundary of demarcation"" or ""a dividing line"" offer similar but subtly different meanings. When writing, ensure the context specifies what is being separated to avoid any ambiguity. The absence of excessive usage of the phrase in abstract context is important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A demarcation line

Stresses the clear and official marking of a boundary.

A boundary of demarcation

Emphasizes the act of clearly defining or marking a limit.

A dividing boundary

Highlights the function of separating two areas or concepts.

A point of divergence

Focuses on the place where things start to move apart or differ.

A threshold of distinction

Suggests a significant point where something changes noticeably.

A margin of difference

Highlights a space or degree by which things differ.

A clear distinction

Implies a readily apparent difference or boundary.

A partition

Indicates a physical division or barrier.

A gulf between

Emphasizes a significant divide, often metaphorical.

A rupture

Focuses on the sudden breaking or tearing apart of something previously unified.

FAQs

How can "a line of separation" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a line of separation" to describe a boundary, distinction, or division between two things. For example, "The Berlin Wall represented a stark "a line of separation" between East and West Germany".

What is a good alternative to "a line of separation"?

Alternatives include "a boundary of demarcation", "a dividing line", or "a point of divergence", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the line of separation between"?

Yes, "the line of separation between" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate the boundary or distinction between two specified entities or concepts.

What does "blurring the lines of separation" mean?

"Blurring the lines of separation" means that the distinctions or boundaries between two or more things are becoming less clear or distinct, often leading to overlap or confusion.