as a separate thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a separate thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is distinct or independent from other elements being discussed. Example: "When considering the project, we need to evaluate the budget as a separate thing from the timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

She knows it's there, knows it hurts, knows it's wrong, but she controls it as a separate thing from what the goal or project is".

The New Yorker

"And as a separate thing, I personally am going to support those people who help this city, and I've said that for a long time".

The New York Times

Homophobia and transphobia at university are often seen as a separate thing to lad culture, but lad culture is basically privileged people not considering anyone else.

The Guardian

"I don't think we would see some people's reaction to the work as a separate thing from the work itself.

Vice

"The other things that were present--thoughts, spiritual practices and anything to do with the mind seemed to be done as a separate thing.

Huffington Post

Rather than using it and perhaps disrupting what else is going on". (FG B) "Personally I prefer to kind of engage with the clinical situation then go away and read it as a separate thing".

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Is that a separate thing entirely?

The New York Times - Arts

Then it stopped being a separate thing".

The Guardian - Arts

Before this innovation was a separate thing.

Forbes

It wasn't a separate thing.

Vice

Or as Rody puts it, the games are "an opportunity for the LGBTQ community and allies to come out for sustainability as part of who we are, not as another separate thing".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a separate thing" when you want to emphasize the distinct nature of an item, idea, or process from another. This clarifies boundaries and prevents confusion. For example, "Evaluate marketing and sales 'as a separate thing' before combining the strategies."

Common error

Avoid using "as a separate thing" when simpler words like "separately" or "independently" suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose and less impactful. For example, instead of "Consider each item 'as a separate thing'," try "Consider each item separately."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a separate thing" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, clause, or sentence to specify that something should be considered or treated distinctly. The Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in various contexts to emphasize separation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a separate thing" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the distinctness of an item or concept. While not overly common, it appears in various sources, particularly in News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples showcasing its usage. When writing, use "as a separate thing" to clearly demarcate elements, but be mindful of avoiding redundancy in simpler contexts. Consider alternatives like "separately" or "independently" when appropriate. The choice depends on the specific nuances you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a distinct entity

This alternative uses "entity" to emphasize the independent existence of something.

as an individual item

Focuses on the separateness of one item from a group.

as an independent element

Highlights the self-governing nature of a component.

in isolation

Implies a complete separation from any influencing factors.

as a self-contained unit

Emphasizes the completeness and independence of the unit.

considered apart

Highlights the act of taking something away from a group to analyze.

viewed discretely

Focuses on the act of perceiving something as distinct.

treated independently

Highlights how something is handled or managed on its own.

regarded distinctly

Focuses on the act of thinking about something as separate.

as its own thing

An informal way of emphasizing the unique and independent nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "as a separate thing" in a sentence?

You can use "as a separate thing" to emphasize the distinction between two or more concepts or items. For example, "We need to consider the budget "as a separate thing" from the timeline."

What phrases are similar to "as a separate thing"?

Alternatives include "as a distinct entity", "as an independent element", or "in isolation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "separately" or "as a separate thing"?

While both can convey a similar meaning, "as a separate thing" often adds emphasis to the distinction, whereas "separately" is more concise. Choose the option that best suits the tone and clarity of your writing.

When should I use "as a separate thing" instead of "independently"?

"As a separate thing" emphasizes the distinctness of something, while "independently" stresses its autonomy or lack of reliance on something else. Use "as a separate thing" when highlighting division, and "independently" when highlighting self-reliance.