a separate existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a separate existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that exists independently or apart from something else. Example: "The artist's work has taken on a separate existence, distinct from her personal life and experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"We don't have a separate existence," he says.

The New York Times

She had staked her claim to a separate existence, was pursuing it honestly and single-mindedly.

The New Yorker

In the South, however, they maintained a separate existence for a longer period of time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And they are concerned that rather than helping diversify the community, they may merely be establishing a separate existence.

The New York Times

Coogan and Baron Cohen have also followed the Edna model in allowing their characters a separate existence on the publicity circuit, giving interviews and publicising books.

The Guardian

The biggest difficulty in putting a D-notice on a theatre production is that the script will often have a separate existence.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Though technically plot-spoiling, this detail can be revealed because the moment has a wide separate existence as a clip in those funniest TV moments compilations.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Gone are the great coordinated ensembles of the Asams, and instead each figure has a totally separate existence of its own and a balance is only to be found when the church interior is taken as a whole.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Indian and Fijian communities lead a largely separate existence, with little intermarriage.Only 13 years ago, the election of a government largely backed by Indo-Fijians brought about events very similar to those occurring today.

The Economist

While the locals accepted soldiers as part of the landscape, they led a very separate existence, with their own housing, schools and shops.

The New York Times

Possessing an absolute concept doesn't mean possessing an absolute, separate existence.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a separate existence" to emphasize independence or autonomy, especially when discussing legal entities, personal identity, or cultural distinctions.

Common error

Avoid using "a separate existence" when you actually mean complete isolation or detachment, as the phrase implies independence rather than a total lack of connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a separate existence" functions as a noun phrase, often used as an object or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI shows, it indicates a state of being distinct or independent from something else.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a separate existence" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies independence or distinctiveness. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. As evidenced by the examples, it frequently appears in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, often to describe the autonomy of legal entities, cultural groups, or personal identities. While the phrase carries a neutral to formal tone, writers should be mindful not to conflate independence with complete isolation. Related phrases, such as "an independent life" or "a distinct identity", can provide alternative ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an independent life

Focuses on the autonomy and self-reliance of one's life.

a distinct identity

Highlights the unique characteristics that set something apart.

an autonomous entity

Emphasizes self-governance and independence.

a self-contained unit

Indicates that something can function independently without external support.

an isolated being

Focuses on the state of being alone and apart from others.

a discrete existence

Highlights the distinct and individual nature of something.

a detached reality

Emphasizes the separation from a shared or common experience.

an individual sphere

Focuses on the personal and private realm of an individual.

a segregated domain

Implies separation and isolation, often with negative connotations.

a disconnected state

Highlights the lack of connection or relationship with others.

FAQs

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

You can use "a separate existence" to describe something that exists independently from something else. For example, "The subsidiary corporation maintains "a separate existence" from its parent company."

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

"A separate existence" emphasizes the distinct nature of something, while "an independent existence" /s/an+independent+existence stresses the ability to function autonomously. The two are often interchangeable but may have slightly different connotations depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a separate existence" instead of "a shared existence"?

Use "a separate existence" when highlighting the unique and individual nature of something, as opposed to /s/a+shared+existence, which would emphasize interconnectedness or commonality.

What are some alternatives to "a separate existence"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a distinct identity", "an autonomous entity", or "an independent life" to convey similar meanings.