being apart

USAGE SUMMARY

"being apart" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about two people who are physically separated from each other, such as in a long-distance relationship or when discussing a couple going through a rough patch. For example: "The couple had been together for several years, but they were now facing the challenge of being apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Being apart from my family.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We're somewhat adept at being apart.

The New York Times

Despite being apart, they kept each other in their thoughts.

The New York Times

The couple was unaccustomed to being apart, Rehman said.

The Guardian

"It's been rough being apart so much," she explained.

The New York Times - Magazine

The tubercular character was vaunted as "sensitive, creative, a being apart".

The New Yorker

"No one thought that we would survive being apart during college," Ms. Miles said.

The New York Times

I think my back problem was the stress of being apart.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Now they are apart.

The Guardian - Books

It's apart.

The New Yorker

Now, we will never be apart.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of separation on relationships, use "being apart" to convey both physical and emotional distance.

Common error

Avoid using "being apart" when you mean simply existing in different locations without implying separation. Use more neutral terms like "living in different cities" if the context doesn't involve emotional distance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being apart" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject of a sentence or a complement to a verb. It describes the state or condition of separation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being apart" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes the state of separation, whether physical or emotional. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions. When using this phrase, consider the connotation of separation and choose it when you want to emphasize distance or disconnection. If you intend to convey separation without implying any negativity, consider alternative phrases such as "living separately" or "physical separation". Ultimately, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not together

A simple and direct way to express the lack of togetherness.

state of separation

Highlights the condition or situation of being divided.

physical separation

Emphasizes the physical distance between individuals or entities.

absence from one another

Emphasizes the lack of presence or contact between individuals.

emotional distance

Focuses on the lack of emotional connection or intimacy.

living separately

Describes the act of residing in different locations.

time spent apart

Highlights the duration of the separation.

functional independence

Stresses the ability to operate or exist without reliance on others.

estranged from each other

Focuses on a state of alienation or broken relationship.

split up

Indicates the ending of a relationship or partnership.

FAQs

How can I use "being apart" in a sentence?

You can use "being apart" to describe a state of physical or emotional separation, such as "The toughest thing about making movies is "being apart" from your family."

What are some alternatives to "being apart"?

Alternatives include "physical separation", "emotional distance", or "state of separation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate, "being apart" or "separate"?

While both refer to separation, "being apart" often implies a temporary or circumstantial separation, whereas "separate" can suggest a more permanent or formal division. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean when someone says "absence makes the heart grow fonder" in the context of "being apart"?

This idiom suggests that "being apart" can increase affection and appreciation for someone, rather than diminishing it. However, this is not always the case, and the effect of separation can vary greatly.