degree of separation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "degree of separation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to express the idea that two people or groups are connected in some way, even though they may not be connected directly. For example, you might say: "We discovered that my friend and her boss had a degree of separation - they had a mutual acquaintance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's one degree of separation.

The New York Times

The degree of separation varies greatly.

The New York Times

Few could point to these incidents' one degree of separation.

Independent

By practically every act that plays his house, Drew is one degree of separation from Springsteen.

The New Yorker

Some supporters emphasized the degree of separation and argued against guilt by association.

The New York Times

"There is a degree of separation of what is business and personal," Mr. Crowley said.

The New York Times

This year I'm rooting for Italy's entry No Degree of Separation sung by Francesca Michielin.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Yes: Hillary Clinton was just one degree of separation away from Satan.

The Guardian - Opinion

There has also been a marked degree of separation, a sense of distance from the pain.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And for the first time in California, that kind of one-degree-of-separation search ultimately led to an arrest.

The New York Times

But one of these strange six-degrees-of-separation moments happened next.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "degree of separation", ensure the context clearly defines the entities being separated and the nature of their relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "degree of separation" when simply referring to differences or distinctions. The phrase implies a specific type of indirect connection or relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "degree of separation" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes the indirect relationship or connection between two entities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "degree of separation" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the indirect connection between entities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is frequently employed in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating its versatility. While alternatives like "social distance" or "level of connection" exist, "degree of separation" remains a concise and widely understood way to quantify interconnectedness. Remember to clearly define the entities being separated to avoid misuse. This phrase serves as a valuable tool for expressing relationships in various fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

social distance

Highlights the distance between individuals or groups in a social context.

network distance

Specifically refers to the distance within a network, whether social or otherwise.

degree of relatedness

Highlights how related two or more things are.

level of connection

Focuses on the strength or intensity of the bond rather than the number of intermediaries.

intermediate connection

Stresses a connection via a mediating factor or person.

distance of association

Emphasizes the remoteness or closeness in terms of relationship.

indirect relationship

Focuses on the relationship being not direct or immediate.

linkage proximity

Highlights how closely linked two or more things are.

chain of contact

Illustrates the connections via a series of contacts.

relational gap

Indicates a space or interval in a relationship or connection.

FAQs

How can I use "degree of separation" in a sentence?

You can use "degree of separation" to describe the indirect connection between people or things. For example: "There's only one "degree of separation" between me and the CEO – my friend works directly under her."

What does "degree of separation" mean?

The "degree of separation" refers to the number of intermediaries connecting two people or things. A lower degree suggests a closer connection, while a higher degree indicates a more distant relationship.

What can I say instead of "degree of separation"?

Alternatives include "level of connection", "social distance", or "network distance", depending on the context.

Is "degrees of separation" or "degree of separation" more appropriate?

While "degrees of separation" acknowledges multiple possible connections, ""degree of separation"" is often used to describe the concept in general, even if multiple connections exist.