ability to separate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to separate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's skill or capacity to distinguish or differentiate between two or more things. Example: "Her ability to separate personal feelings from professional responsibilities is commendable."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Moreover, the prepared monolithic columns had a chiral separation ability to separate dl-amino acids.

Journal of Chromatography A

In general, resolution is the ability to separate two signals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As famously said by Geoffrey Howe, by drawing on the ability to separate words from meaning.

The Guardian

His ability to separate personal and professional has been nothing short of staggering to me".

The New York Times - Sports

But he did voice one qualm: "Ancient Egyptians didn't have the ability to separate out pollen, jelly and propolis".

The New York Times

He has a rare ability to separate his off-time from his driving, where he is very focused.

The Guardian - Sport

That ability to separate her public and private lives is what makes her an effective politician, friends and analysts say.

The New York Times

I always thought America stood for a nation that prided itself on its ability to separate morals and religion.

The New York Times

"I think people will have the ability to separate these issues," said David Axelrod, a senior adviser to the president.

The New York Times

Additionally, the switch-hitting Teixeira gives Girardi the ability to separate left-handed hitters in the lineup.

The New York Times

Take away a doctor's (or nurses's) ability to separate politics from patients and you undermine the integrity of a healthcare system.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing a learned or developed skill, consider stronger verbs like 'mastery' or 'expertise' to convey a higher degree of proficiency in the "ability to separate".

Common error

Avoid using "ability to separate" when more specific verbs like 'differentiate', 'distinguish', or 'isolate' would provide greater clarity and precision. For instance, instead of saying 'The software has the ability to separate data', try 'The software differentiates data based on type'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to separate" functions primarily as a noun phrase, describing the capacity or skill to distinguish or segregate elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use across various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ability to separate" is a versatile phrase used to describe the capacity to distinguish, segregate, or isolate elements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. As seen across examples from Ludwig, it frequently appears in scientific and technical contexts, with substantial presence in news and general media. While appropriate in many situations, consider using more precise alternatives like 'differentiate' or 'distinguish' for enhanced clarity. The phrase's prevalence and validity are further supported by its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to differentiate

Emphasizes the mental or intellectual capability to perceive differences.

skill in distinguishing

Highlights the learned expertise in recognizing differences.

power to discriminate

Focuses on the capability to make fine distinctions, often in a critical manner.

aptitude for discerning

Implies a natural talent for perceiving subtle differences.

talent for segregating

Highlights a specific skill in keeping things apart.

facility in isolating

Focuses on the ease with which something can be singled out.

competence in distinguishing

Emphasizes a demonstrated capability in recognizing differences accurately.

knack for discerning

Suggests an intuitive skill for understanding subtle differences.

art of differentiation

Presents the act of distinguishing as a refined and skillful practice.

potential for identification

Focuses on the inherent possibility of recognizing and separating elements.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "ability to separate" for variety?

You can use alternatives such as "capacity to differentiate", "skill in distinguishing", or "power to discriminate", depending on the specific context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "ability to separate"?

The phrase "ability to separate" is appropriate when describing the general capacity to distinguish or segregate items, concepts, or ideas. It's commonly used in scientific, technical, and abstract contexts.

What is a more formal alternative to "ability to separate"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "capacity for differentiation" or "skill in discernment". These options often suit academic or professional writing.

How does "ability to separate" differ from "ability to distinguish"?

While similar, "ability to separate" often implies a physical or conceptual division, whereas "ability to distinguish" focuses more on recognizing differences between items or concepts.