a separate thing from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a separate thing from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that one item or concept is distinct or different from another. Example: "While both ideas are related, they are a separate thing from each other in terms of execution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Your personal dignity seems a separate thing from that to me.

The Guardian - Film

One of the consequences of this is, very frequently, in schools, interior design is a separate thing from architecture.

The New York Times

She knows it's there, knows it hurts, knows it's wrong, but she controls it as a separate thing from what the goal or project is".

The New Yorker

His belief that the mind is a separate thing from the body – often called "Cartesian dualism" – is an accurate description of what it feels like to be human.

The Guardian - Arts

First, there are still writers (e.g., H.D. Lewis in his work The Elusive Mind ) who think that Descartes was substantially right: mind and body are distinct, and the "I" that thinks is a separate thing from the "I" that weighs 170 pounds.

Britannica

All this, it's worth noting, is a separate thing from GV, Alphabet's investment arm that focuses on that earlier-stage stuff and rebranded from "Google Ventures" back in December of last year.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Although it seems like a separate thing – a hangover from the cold war or a product of an "accidental" revolution – the Ukraine dispute cannot be kept clear of the economic fault lines produced by the six-year crisis.

The Guardian - Opinion

The noise around it is a very separate thing from the show itself".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Growing up where I did, I came from a politically progressive family so I was aware of social issues, but it seemed like a very separate thing from film.

The Guardian - Film

Apple's business is a real, tangible thing, and while the Parabolic Curve Narrative likely influenced many to sell, that's a totally separate thing from the health of the company.

HuffPost

It's a very separate thing from the other reasons people may be getting the surgery done, for example, if you're a cyclist and your labia are causing discomfort when you're riding.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a separate thing from" to clearly delineate between two concepts, ensuring your audience understands they are not the same.

Common error

Avoid using "a separate thing from" when a simpler comparison like "different from" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a separate thing from" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to qualify a noun or clause by establishing a clear distinction. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase indicates that one item or concept is distinct from another.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a separate thing from" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase employed to distinguish between two concepts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and suggests that it serves to clarify differences and prevent misunderstandings. While versatile, it's more prevalent in news and media, encyclopedias and scientific contexts. Consider alternatives like "distinct from" or "different from" for conciseness, especially in more formal settings. As Ludwig AI suggests, avoid overusing the phrase in simple comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct from

This alternative provides a direct synonym, emphasizing the quality of being clearly different.

different from

A common and straightforward way to indicate dissimilarity.

independent of

Highlights the lack of reliance or connection between two elements.

unrelated to

Emphasizes the absence of any connection or association.

divorced from

Suggests a complete separation, often implying a prior connection.

disconnected from

Highlights the absence of a link or relationship between two things.

isolated from

Implies that something is set apart and not influenced by something else.

removed from

Suggests a deliberate act of distancing or separating.

detached from

Similar to divorced, but can imply a more emotional or philosophical separation.

dissociated from

Indicates a separation, often in a psychological or conceptual context.

FAQs

How can I use "a separate thing from" in a sentence?

Use "a separate thing from" to clearly distinguish one item or concept from another, indicating they are not the same. For example, "While related, marketing and sales are "different from" each other, serving distinct functions."

What are some alternatives to "a separate thing from"?

You can use alternatives like "distinct from", "different from", or "independent of" depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a separate thing from" formal or informal?

"A separate thing from" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more concise alternatives like "distinct from" might be preferred in highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "a separate thing from" and "different from"?

While similar, "a separate thing from" often emphasizes a more fundamental distinction or lack of overlap, whereas "different from" simply indicates a dissimilarity. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.