a separate entity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a separate entity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that exists independently or distinctly from something else, often in legal, business, or philosophical contexts. Example: "In the eyes of the law, the corporation is considered a separate entity from its owners."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a separate entity.

Yale University

Now it's a separate entity".

The New York Times

"This is a separate entity," he said.

The New York Times

The far left isn't a separate entity.

The Guardian - Opinion

The rugby club is a separate entity.

The Guardian - Sport

This has been deleted as LRDG was a separate entity.

The Guardian

The Society will continue to exist as a separate entity.

The Guardian

The movement is treated largely as a separate entity.

The New York Times - Arts

Physically and biologically, Madagascar has long formed a separate entity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It will spin off its residential interests into a separate entity.

The New York Times

His jeans and shirt were so paint-spattered as to be almost a separate entity.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When establishing a new business, clearly define it as "a separate entity" from your personal assets to protect yourself from liability.

Common error

Don't assume that just because you've created an LLC or corporation, it's automatically treated as "a separate entity". Ensure you maintain proper corporate formalities, like holding meetings and keeping separate finances, to maintain liability protection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a separate entity" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies something as distinct and independent from something else. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

13%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a separate entity" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term to denote distinctness and independence. As Ludwig confirms, it appears across a spectrum of contexts, most notably in News & Media, Academia, and Business. The term's neutral to formal tone makes it suitable for diverse applications where clarity and precision are essential. When using the phrase, ensure corporate formalities are followed to be considered truly a separate entity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an independent body

Focuses on the autonomy and self-governance of the entity.

a distinct organization

Emphasizes the clear differentiation in structure and purpose.

a discrete unit

Highlights the individual and non-continuous nature of the entity.

a standalone component

Stresses the ability of the entity to function without reliance on others.

a self-contained system

Suggests completeness and independence within the entity's boundaries.

a segregated element

Implies a more forceful or intentional act of separation.

a detached part

Emphasizes the physical or functional disconnection from a larger whole.

a delineated structure

Focuses on the well-defined boundaries and internal organization of the entity.

an isolated case

Highlights the uniqueness and lack of connection to other instances.

a partitioned segment

Suggests that the entity was once part of a larger unit but has been divided.

FAQs

How can I use "a separate entity" in a sentence?

You can use "a separate entity" to describe something that functions independently. For example, "The subsidiary operates as "a separate entity" from the parent company."

What is another way to say "a separate entity"?

Alternatives to "a separate entity" include "an independent body", "a distinct organization", or "a discrete unit". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a separate entity"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "a separate entity" is a common and accepted way to describe something that is distinct and independent.

What's the difference between "a separate entity" and "an independent entity"?

While similar, "a separate entity" emphasizes the state of being distinct, while "an independent entity" highlights the capacity for self-governance and autonomy. "An independent entity" implies more freedom and self-reliance than "a separate entity".