a separate piece of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a separate piece of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an individual item or component that is distinct from others in a collection or group. Example: "Please provide a separate piece of documentation for each project phase to ensure clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A year earlier, researchers discovered that a separate piece of malware, called Mac Defender, was masquerading as anti-virus software and infecting Macs.

The New York Times

Record the depth in the same location on a separate piece of graph paper in millimeters.

University of California, Berkeley

"It's just a separate piece of paper so it can have stronger equity return".

The New York Times

This location should be written on a separate piece of paper and handed to the teacher.

The New York Times

But they refused to allow it to move as a separate piece of legislation".

The New York Times

The second project should stand alone as a separate piece of work from the primary research project.

Stanford University

If the grade or comments are on a separate piece of paper, please attach this to your submission.

Princeton University

But since the ©-chip will not actually be a separate piece of kit, customer resistance should be reduced.

The Economist

Assessing the interactions between the measures is a separate piece of analysis that could affect the total.

The Guardian

The government is also likely to be forced in to a U-turn on a separate piece of legislation.

The Guardian

Number each map, and on a separate piece of paper, explain how each map helps to clarify the news.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a separate piece of" to clearly indicate that something is not connected to or part of something else. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a separate piece of" with adjectives that already imply separation. For example, "a distinct separate piece of" is redundant. Simply use "a distinct piece of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a separate piece of" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the noun is distinct and not connected to something else. Ludwig shows that the phrase is used across diverse contexts to emphasize the independence or individuality of an object or idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a separate piece of" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the distinct nature of an item or concept. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently used in a variety of contexts, from news articles and academic papers to wikis and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure that it adds clarity by truly differentiating one item from another, and avoid redundant adjectives. Consider alternatives like "distinct part of" or "independent section of" to refine your expression. By following this guidance, you can effectively communicate separation and independence in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinct part of

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the element.

an individual component of

Focuses on the individuality and composition of the item.

a discrete element of

Highlights the separateness and individuality.

an independent section of

Stresses the self-governing or non-reliant nature.

a standalone segment of

Indicates the ability to function on its own.

a detached portion of

Suggests physical or conceptual separation.

a self-contained unit of

Highlights completeness and independence.

a unique fragment of

Implies singularity and a broken-off nature.

a singular item of

Emphasizes that it is one of a kind, a single object.

an isolated instance of

Underscores the lack of connection to others.

FAQs

How can I use "a separate piece of" in a sentence?

You can use "a separate piece of" to indicate that something is not connected to or part of something else. For example: "Please submit "a separate piece of writing" for each section of the application".

What is a good alternative to "a separate piece of"?

Alternatives include "a distinct part of", "an individual component of", or "an independent section of", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a separate piece of"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize that an item or component is distinct and not integrated with something else. For example, when dealing with individual tasks or documents.

Is there a more formal way to say "a separate piece of"?

In a more formal context, you might use phrases like "a discrete element of" or "an independent section of" to convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.