a separation barrier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a separation barrier" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a physical or metaphorical barrier that separates two areas or groups, often in contexts related to politics, geography, or social issues. Example: "The construction of a separation barrier has sparked debates about its impact on local communities and international relations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Israel was building a separation barrier on village land that included some of his family's own.

The New York Times

Mr. Sharon's government is already building a separation barrier in the West Bank, saying it is intended to prevent Palestinian suicide bombings and other attacks.

The New York Times

One year later Israel started building a separation barrier in the West Bank to match a similar barrier erected in Gaza in 1996.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Israeli officials credit their success in blocking such attacks to increased experience in identifying potential bombers, as well as to a separation barrier they are building all along the West Bank and the killings and arrests of militant leaders.

The New York Times

WHEREAS Israel's settlements, the building of a separation barrier through the West Bank and sporadic bouts of violence have failed in the past seven years or so to rouse the Palestinians to a mass insurrection, the cost of petrol and bread might yet succeed.

The Economist

It is hard for anyone not to take notice of the 10-metre-high wall (which the media insist on calling a separation barrier) and it is even harder for the Jesuit Pope who has empathy for the weak and oppressed not to stop.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Pervaporation is a membrane technology utilizing a dense non-porous homogeneous polymeric film as a selective separation barrier.

Desalination

An analytical relation between the proposed stage and point efficiencies has been developed for an ideal cross flow stage in a close separation barrier separation process.

Chemical Engineering Science

A sound separation barrier will be installed below the seats to prevent extraneous noises from interfering with the television broadcasts.

The New York Times

Also on Saturday, several thousand Palestinians, joined by dozens of foreigners, demonstrated in the West Bank town of Qalqiliya against a massive separation barrier that Israel is building in the West Bank.

The New York Times

Sharon portrayed his "disengagement" plan that saw Gaza evacuated as a step to reduce tension between Israelis and Palestinians, but significantly it was accompanied by construction of a massive separation barrier in the West Bank – which Sharon approved after initially resisting –and that many saw as an attempt to unilaterally draw final borders.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations when using "a separation barrier". It often carries political weight, particularly in discussions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Be mindful of your audience and the potential sensitivities.

Common error

Avoid using "a separation barrier" to describe any generic barrier. This term is typically reserved for significant, often politically charged, physical divisions like international borders or contested territories.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a separation barrier" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, particularly in contexts concerning geopolitical divisions. It serves to identify a physical structure designed to segregate areas or populations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a separation barrier" is a noun phrase that describes a physical structure designed to divide areas or populations, particularly in geopolitical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, with usage being most frequent in news and media sources. When using this phrase, it's important to be mindful of its political and emotional connotations, as it often refers to contentious divisions like the Israeli-Palestinian barrier. Alternatives such as "a dividing barrier" or "a security fence" may be appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dividing barrier

Emphasizes the act of dividing two areas.

a partition barrier

Highlights the act of partitioning or creating separate areas.

a demarcation line

Focuses on marking a boundary or limit.

a dividing wall

Specifically refers to a wall that separates two areas.

a border fence

More specific, referring to a fence along a border.

a security fence

Highlights the security aspect of the barrier.

an enclosure

Refers to something that surrounds and separates an area.

an obstruction

A more general term for something that blocks or impedes movement.

a physical barrier

A broad term referring to any tangible barrier.

a buffer zone

Indicates an area that serves to keep opposing sides apart.

FAQs

How is "a separation barrier" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a separation barrier" is often used to describe a physical structure intended to divide two areas or groups. For example, "The construction of "a separation barrier" has sparked controversy."

What are some alternatives to "a separation barrier"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a dividing barrier", "a security fence", or "a border fence". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What implications does the term "a separation barrier" carry?

The term "a separation barrier" often carries political and emotional weight, particularly in discussions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It can imply a sense of division, conflict, and restricted movement.

In what contexts is "a separation barrier" most commonly used?

"A separation barrier" is frequently used in news reports, academic articles, and political discussions related to geopolitical divisions, especially in the Middle East. It's less common in everyday conversation or in non-political contexts.