able to separate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to separate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's capability to distinguish or divide things, whether they are physical objects or abstract concepts. Example: "She is able to separate her personal feelings from her professional responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I'm able to separate myself from that.

The New York Times - Sports

And on that level he was able to separate himself.

The New York Times

You need to be able to separate yourself.

The Guardian

"She's been able to separate herself from Clinton.

The New York Times

The detective, too, is a nearly inhuman machine able to separate truth from falsehood.

The New York Times - Books

But should we not be able to separate the player from the person?

The Guardian - Sport

We were able to separate what the stairs mean from what the structure means".

The New York Times

"If they want to live together, no one will be able to separate them".

The New York Times

"But he was able to separate his beliefs from the dictates of the Constitution".

The New York Times

But you will be able to separate people who have it from those who don't.

The New York Times - Health

"I am no longer able to separate the music from the narrative," he says.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to separate", ensure the context clearly specifies what is being separated and the basis for the separation. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid vague uses of "able to separate" without specifying the distinguishing factors. Be explicit about the criteria used for separation to maintain precision and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to separate" functions as an adjective phrase describing the capacity or capability to distinguish, divide, or isolate elements. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. For example, "She is able to separate her personal feelings from her professional responsibilities."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to separate" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe the capacity to distinguish, divide, or isolate. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific publications. While "able to separate" is commonly found in many settings, it's important to specify the criteria for separation. For similar phrases, you could consider "capable of distinguishing", "adept at differentiating", or "skilled in discerning" to add nuance. Mastering this phrase involves understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, ensuring clarity and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of distinguishing

Emphasizes competence in noticing differences.

adept at differentiating

Highlights skillfulness in recognizing distinctions.

skilled in discerning

Focuses on the ability to perceive subtle differences.

competent in segregating

Stresses proficiency in isolating elements.

proficient at isolating

Highlights expertise in setting things apart.

equipped to differentiate

Implies having the necessary tools or knowledge to distinguish.

prepared to distinguish

Indicates readiness and capability to make distinctions.

in a position to segregate

Suggests having the opportunity or authority to separate.

has the capacity to discriminate

Emphasizes the innate or developed ability to discern differences.

can effectively isolate

Focuses on the result of separating items, suggesting that they are correctly separated.

FAQs

How can I use "able to separate" in a sentence?

You can use "able to separate" to describe the capacity to distinguish or divide things. For example, "She is "able to separate" her personal feelings from her professional responsibilities".

What are some alternatives to "able to separate"?

You can use alternatives like "capable of distinguishing", "adept at differentiating", or "skilled in discerning" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "able to separate" or "able to differentiate"?

Both "able to separate" and "able to differentiate" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Able to separate" implies creating a division, while "able to differentiate" implies recognizing differences.

What's the difference between "able to separate" and "able to distinguish"?

"Able to separate" suggests a physical or conceptual division. "Able to distinguish", on the other hand, focuses on recognizing differences without necessarily creating a division. The better phrase depends on the meaning that you intend to convey.