almost impossible to separate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost impossible to separate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where two or more things are very closely linked or intertwined, making it difficult to distinguish or divide them. Example: "The bond between the two friends was so strong that it felt almost impossible to separate their lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The two are almost impossible to separate.

The New York Times

It is almost impossible to separate female sexuality from culture.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's almost impossible to separate the rise in location-based technologies from the popularity of smartphones.

The Washington Post

The obstacles to equity are enmeshed and interwoven, almost impossible to separate from one another.

The New York Times - Magazine

But Ruth Bader Ginsburg's latest comment about when she will retire is almost impossible to separate from politics.

The Washington Post

It's almost impossible to separate Greenfield's analysis of our society from the champagne-clutching position she holds within it.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It's almost impossible to tell that.

The New York Times

It's almost impossible to tell.

The Washington Post

"It is almost impossible to break that.

Los Angeles Times

It was almost impossible to tell.

Los Angeles Times

"It would almost be impossible to separate".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider clarifying why the separation is difficult. Providing context will enhance the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "almost impossible to separate" when the elements are merely difficult, but not nearly impossible, to distinguish. Reserve this phrase for situations where the connection is exceptionally strong. In less extreme cases, alternatives like "difficult to separate" or "hard to distinguish" are more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost impossible to separate" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a high degree of interconnectedness or interdependence between two or more entities. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

33%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost impossible to separate" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the tight connection between two or more elements, making it exceedingly difficult to distinguish or isolate them. Ludwig's analysis shows that the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While interchangeable with alternatives like "virtually inseparable" or "nearly indistinguishable", it's crucial to avoid overstating the impossibility when the elements are merely difficult to separate. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, enriching written communication by effectively highlighting intricate relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually inseparable

Emphasizes the practical inseparability, implying a very strong connection.

nearly indistinguishable

Focuses on the lack of discernible differences between the items.

hard to differentiate

Highlights the difficulty in perceiving any difference.

difficult to disentangle

Stresses the complexity of separating intertwined elements.

practically impossible to tell apart

Focuses on the practical challenge of distinguishing the elements.

intrinsically linked

Highlights the inherent connection making separation unnatural.

closely intertwined

Emphasizes the deep interrelation and entanglement between the elements.

cannot be isolated

Highlights that the elements are part of the same system.

impossible to isolate

Highlights that the elements are part of the same system.

inextricably bound

Indicates an unbreakable and inseparable connection.

FAQs

How can I use "almost impossible to separate" in a sentence?

You can use "almost impossible to separate" to describe things that are so closely connected that distinguishing them is exceptionally difficult. For example: "It's "almost impossible to separate" the economic effects of the policy from the social ones."

What are some alternatives to "almost impossible to separate"?

Some alternatives to "almost impossible to separate" include "virtually inseparable", "nearly indistinguishable", or "hard to differentiate".

Is there a difference between "difficult to separate" and "almost impossible to separate"?

"Difficult to separate" implies that separation is challenging but achievable, while "almost impossible to separate" suggests that separation is extremely challenging and nearly unattainable. The latter conveys a stronger sense of interconnectedness.

When is it appropriate to use "almost impossible to separate"?

Use "almost impossible to separate" when describing entities that are so deeply intertwined that distinguishing them becomes exceedingly difficult. It's suitable for situations where the connection is exceptionally strong and any attempt to isolate them would be extremely challenging.