decided to part ways

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decided to part ways" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to two people separating after a joint decision. For example, "The couple, after years of marriage, decided to part ways amicably."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We decided to part ways.

The New York Times

"We have mutually decided to part ways," he said.

The New York Times

So the team decided to part ways with him.

The New York Times - Sports

"MSNBC and Greta Van Susteren have decided to part ways.

The Washington Post

I was barely 17 when our father decided to part ways with my mother.

The New York Times

Downing and Paul disagreed about how their practice was run and decided to part ways.

The New Yorker

He decided to part ways, and sold his share to his partners for a dollar.

The New York Times

He said the association and Microsoft met in recent months and decided to part ways on the convention.

The New York Times

Maria Sharapova and Coach Thomas Hogstedt have decided to part ways after nearly three years of working together.

The New York Times - Sports

Arthur Andersen, for example, started another consulting business even after it decided to part ways with Andersen Consulting.

The New York Times

But McEnroe has said his media commitments with ESPN mean he and Raonic have decided to part ways.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decided to part ways" when you want to emphasize a mutual agreement to end a relationship or association. It suggests a level of understanding and agreement between the parties involved.

Common error

Avoid using "decided to part ways" when the separation is not amicable or mutually agreed upon. In situations where one party forces the separation, other phrases like "was fired" or "was dismissed" may be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decided to part ways" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase indicating a mutual agreement to end a relationship, partnership, or association. Ludwig's examples confirm its usage in various contexts, primarily indicating a formal separation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decided to part ways" is a correct and frequently used idiomatic expression that signifies a mutual agreement to end a relationship or association. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the numerous examples illustrate its common use in news and media contexts. While considered neutral in register, it effectively communicates separation diplomatically. For alternative expressions, consider options such as "ended their relationship" or "agreed to separate" depending on the specific context. Use this phrase when emphasizing mutual agreement, and avoid it when the separation is not amicable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ended their relationship

A more general term for the ending of any type of relationship.

went their separate ways

Idiomatic and focuses on the physical separation after a decision.

agreed to separate

Emphasizes the agreement aspect of ending the relationship.

severed ties

Implies a more abrupt or forceful ending of a relationship.

mutually divorced

Specific to marriage and emphasizes the mutual nature of the decision.

dissolved their partnership

Specifically refers to ending a business or formal partnership.

chose to discontinue their association

More formal and emphasizes the end of a formal relationship or partnership.

reached a separation agreement

Highlights the formal agreement aspect of separating, often legally binding.

terminated their agreement

Focuses on the legal or contractual aspect of ending a relationship.

discontinued their collaboration

Highlights the end of a working relationship or project collaboration.

FAQs

What does "decided to part ways" mean?

It means that two or more parties have mutually agreed to end their relationship, partnership, or association. It implies a joint decision to separate.

Is "decided to part ways" a formal or informal expression?

It's generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "chose to discontinue their association" might be preferred in certain business or legal settings.

What can I say instead of "decided to part ways"?

You can use alternatives like "ended their relationship", "agreed to separate", or "went their separate ways" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "decided to part ways" in a professional context?

Yes, it is acceptable in professional contexts, particularly when announcing the departure of an employee or the end of a business partnership. It's a diplomatic way of stating that the relationship has ended.