a separation between

USAGE SUMMARY

"a separation between" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a physical or emotional distance or division between two things or people. Example: There was a clear separation between the rich and poor in the city, as seen by the stark contrast in neighborhoods and living conditions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There should be a separation between government, purchasers and providers.

The Guardian

"Secular thinkers have a separation between thinking and doing.

The Guardian

You should understand that there is now a separation between the political and the military leadership".

The New York Times

Typically, the jet stream represents a separation between cold arctic air and warmer southern air.

The Guardian

There has to be a separation between the business and regulatory functions of the exchange".

The New York Times

I don't understand in any way, shape or form why there's a separation between the two.

The New York Times

Despite the usual newsroom gossip, she has maintained a separation between her personal and professional life.

The Guardian

A separation between the Yankees and Nelson could be in the making.

The New York Times - Sports

The first amendment, he argued, "doesn't mean that we need to have a separation between government and religion".

The Guardian - Opinion

I think there's probably a separation between your work as a child and your work as an adult.

The Guardian - Film

It added that Bictogo had resigned "to ensure and guarantee a separation between the executive and judiciary powers".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a separation between", ensure that both entities being separated are clearly defined and relevant to the context. For instance, in discussions of governance, specifying "a separation between powers" clarifies which powers are being distinguished.

Common error

Avoid using "a separation between" without clearly specifying what is being separated. Saying "there should be a separation" lacks clarity; instead, specify "there should be a separation between church and state" to provide context and meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a separation between" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates a division, distinction, or demarcation between two or more entities. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples where the phrase introduces a concept of division.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a separation between" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a distinction or division. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. While versatile, clarity is key: always specify what entities are being separated to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases such as ""a distinction between"" or ""a division between"" offer subtle variations in meaning. The phrase is particularly common in news, media, and scientific publications, making it suitable for both formal and neutral discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a division between

Emphasizes the act of dividing or the state of being divided.

a distinction between

Focuses on highlighting the differences rather than a physical or abstract division.

a differentiation between

Similar to "distinction", but implies a more active process of discerning differences.

a gap between

Highlights the space or distance, whether literal or figurative, that separates two things.

a gulf between

Similar to "gap", but often suggests a wider, more significant divide.

a demarcation between

Highlights a clear boundary or line that separates two things.

a contrast between

Focuses on the noticeable differences when comparing two things.

a disconnect between

Suggests a lack of connection or understanding between two things.

a divergence between

Implies a gradual moving apart or differing over time.

a rift between

Implies a significant break or split, often resulting in animosity.

FAQs

How can I use "a separation between" in a sentence?

"A separation between" is used to indicate a distinction or division. For example, "There needs to be "a separation between work and personal life" for better well-being".

What are some alternatives to "a separation between"?

Alternatives include "a distinction between", "a division between", or "a gap between", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what's being separated when using "a separation between"?

Yes, it's crucial for clarity. Without specifying the entities, the phrase becomes vague. For instance, instead of just saying "a separation is needed", specify "a separation between policy and practice".

What's the difference between "a separation between" and "a distinction between"?

"A separation between" often implies a more concrete division or boundary, while ""a distinction between"" focuses on recognizing differences. A separation might involve physical or organizational changes, whereas a distinction is more about understanding differences.