are detached

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are detached" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is separated or disconnected from something else, often in a physical or emotional context. Example: "The wires are detached from the main circuit, causing the device to malfunction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Most houses in the area are semi-detached; the rest are detached, terraced or flats.

Wikipedia

Of the whole houses, 22.6% are detached, 30.7% are semi-detached and 24.7% are terraced.

The Guardian

The voices are detached.

The New York Times - Arts

Branches and leaves are detached and displayed during courtship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Single-family homes predominate; the vast majority of them are detached and have garages.

The New York Times

Isn't it partly that we are detached and therefore less likely to err?

The Guardian - Sport

It is perhaps more accurate to say they are detached from time, and thus timeless.

The New York Times - Books

What people want are detached properties, with pools, large living areas and spectacular views.

Independent

All umbilical connections between the launch tower and the vehicle are detached.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Though most buildings are two or three stories tall, some are detached and others are not.

The New York Times

They are detached from the world, it appears, because they don't believe anything foreign can seriously touch their lives.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional states, use "are detached" to convey a sense of emotional distance or lack of involvement. For example: "They are detached from the situation."

Common error

Avoid using "are detached" in every situation involving emotional distance; consider alternatives like "aloof", "indifferent", or "unresponsive" to provide more nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are detached" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is being acted upon or separated from something else. This can refer to physical separation, as seen in examples from Ludwig where "branches and leaves" or "covalent bonds" are described as being detached. Or emotional separation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Huffington Post

5%

The Guardian

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are detached" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase indicating a state of separation or disconnection. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and applicable in a wide range of contexts, from physical descriptions to emotional states. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various audiences, and alternative phrases like "are separated" or "are disconnected" can offer more specific nuances. The prevalence of "are detached" in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are separated

This alternative focuses on the act of physical or conceptual division, similar to "are detached".

are disconnected

This suggests a break in connection, either physically or logically, closely mirroring the meaning of "are detached".

are isolated

This alternative emphasizes being set apart or removed from others, similar to being detached.

are disengaged

This suggests a release or uncoupling, often in a mechanical or metaphorical sense, like "are detached".

are uncoupled

Focuses on the act of being released from a connection or bond.

have come loose

This indicates that something that was previously attached is now free or separated.

have been removed

This emphasizes the action of taking something away, leading to a state of detachment.

are segregated

Highlights the act of being divided or set apart from a group or whole.

are independent

Emphasizes self-reliance and lack of connection to others, suggesting a form of detachment.

are loosened

The bond that was attached is no longer bonded as strongly.

FAQs

How can I use "are detached" in a sentence?

You can use "are detached" to describe physical separation, like "The wires "are detached" from the device", or emotional distance, such as "They "are detached" from the problem".

What's the difference between "are detached" and "are separated"?

"Are detached" implies a prior connection that has been broken, while "are separated" simply indicates a state of being apart. You can say "The building components "are detached" after the earthquake" versus "The twins "are separated" at birth".

What can I say instead of "are detached"?

You can use alternatives like "are disconnected", "are isolated", or "are disengaged" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "are detached" or "have been detached"?

The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the current state or the action of detaching. "Are detached" focuses on the present condition, while "have been detached" highlights that detaching is already completed. For instance, "The sensor wires "are detached", causing a malfunction" versus "The sensor wires "have been detached" during the maintenance".