can be used separately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be used separately" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that certain items, components, or elements can function independently from one another. Example: "The two software modules can be used separately, allowing for greater flexibility in system design."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Although these two subscales can be used separately, we suggest using them jointly especially when assessing the well-being of a community or a large sample.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Models can be used separately or to complement each other.

International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences

The pad zips off, and the clutch can be used separately.

The New York Times

(As a bonus, these candleholders can be used separately year-round).

The New York Times

These include different behavioral and pharmacologic regimes that can be used separately or in combination.

Stanford University

There are two basic approaches to directed evolution, and they can be used separately or in combination.

The New York Times

The slider-beam tables can be used separately for tables of two, or slid together to accommodate different group configurations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But each piece can also be used separately, so a child can take one into another room for example, the TV room, where it can be used as a mat.

Harvard Business Review

The spiral antenna coupler presented here is designed to be used in a RF-shielded enclosure, requiring a metal backing (λ/83 away at 0.4 GHz in this study) to preserve consistent performance, but can also be used separately.

AEU - International Journal of Electronics and Communications

Tumblr also notes that the filtered search option can still be used separately, if desired.

TechCrunch

The entire battery includes a total of six scales (each with subscales) that can also be used separately.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing modular systems or components, use "can be used separately" to clearly indicate the option of independent operation. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity about system requirements.

Common error

Avoid implying that separate use is the only option. Ensure that you also clearly state if the items "can be used" together, providing a balanced view of their functionality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be used separately" functions as a descriptor indicating the capability of an item or component to operate independently. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It commonly appears when describing features or functionalities of products, systems, or methods.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be used separately" is a versatile descriptor employed to convey that items or components possess the capacity to function independently. Ludwig AI indicates its widespread usage across diverse contexts, including science, news media, and formal business settings. It is grammatically sound and serves to inform about the flexibility and modularity of a subject. While its frequency is high, remember to indicate when such components "can be used" together as well, offering a balanced perspective of overall functionality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be employed independently

Replaces "can be used" with a more formal "may be employed" and "separately" with "independently".

can function alone

Focuses on the ability to operate in isolation.

can operate independently

Highlights the independent operation of the subject.

can work in isolation

Emphasizes the ability to function without other components.

can stand alone

Suggests the subject is self-sufficient and doesn't need other parts to function.

can be operated individually

Focuses on the individual operation of something.

are individually usable

Highlights the individual usability of the subjects.

can be detached for use

Implies a physical separation for independent use.

may function autonomously

Stresses the self-governing nature of the function.

can be run independently

Focuses on the independent execution or operation.

FAQs

How to use "can be used separately" in a sentence?

Use "can be used separately" to indicate that items or components have the capability of functioning independently. For example, "The two modules "can be used separately", or they can be integrated for enhanced performance."

What can I say instead of "can be used separately"?

You can use alternatives like "can function alone", "can operate independently", or "can stand alone depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be used separately" or "can be separately used"?

"Can be used separately" is the more natural and grammatically standard phrasing. "Can be separately used" is less common and can sound awkward.

What's the difference between "can be used separately" and "can be used in combination"?

"Can be used separately" indicates independent functionality, while "can be used in combination" suggests that items can be used together to achieve a particular result. They represent opposite modes of operation.