degrees of separation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "degrees of separation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the concept that any two people are connected through a chain of acquaintances that has no more than a certain number of intermediaries. Example: "The theory of six degrees of separation suggests that everyone in the world is connected to each other through no more than six acquaintances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

6. Six degrees of separation.

The New Yorker

"It's six degrees of separation".

The New York Times

Forget six degrees of separation.

The New York Times

It's all three degrees of separation".

The New York Times

Remember that six degrees of separation theory?

The Guardian - Books

PEDDIE SCHOOL "Six Degrees of Separation".

The New York Times

Regional communities have three degrees of separation.

The Guardian

There seem to be about two degrees of separation.

The New York Times - Travel

"You know the six degrees of separation?" she said.

The New York Times - Style

Maybe there are even fewer than six degrees of separation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "degrees of separation", ensure you clarify the context to avoid ambiguity, as the number of degrees can vary depending on the network or community being discussed.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "degrees of separation" always implies a large, global network; it can also refer to smaller, more closely-knit communities where the degrees are significantly fewer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "degrees of separation" functions as a noun phrase that describes the number of social connections between two individuals or entities. It is often used to illustrate the concept of interconnectedness within networks, as highlighted by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "degrees of separation" is a commonly used term to describe the number of social connections between individuals, illustrating the interconnectedness within networks. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media. While the theoretical framework often refers to "six degrees", the actual number can vary based on the specific context, such as smaller communities or professional circles. Remember to clarify the scope to avoid ambiguity, and consider alternatives like "levels of connection" or "social interconnectedness" to add nuance. Overall, "degrees of separation" is a valuable concept for understanding and discussing social relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

levels of connection

This alternative highlights the depth and extent of relationships between individuals or entities.

social interconnectedness

This emphasizes the mutual relationships and dependencies within a community or network.

network relationships

This focuses on the connections and interactions within a defined network.

chain of acquaintance

This highlights the path of connections between people, one knowing the next.

proximity of association

This suggests how closely linked or related individuals or groups are.

interpersonal distance

This phrase focuses on the social gap between people.

levels of influence

This shifts the focus to how influence spreads through a network.

indirect relationships

This emphasizes the lack of direct contact between individuals.

reachability factor

This term indicates how easily someone can be contacted or connected with.

connectedness quotient

This implies a quantifiable measure of how connected people are.

FAQs

How do I use "degrees of separation" in a sentence?

You can use "degrees of separation" to describe the interconnectedness of people or things. For example, "In a small town, there are often only one or two "degrees of separation" between residents."

What does the theory of "six degrees of separation" suggest?

The theory of "six degrees of separation" suggests that any two people on Earth are connected by no more than five intermediaries. In other words, everyone is approximately six social connections away from each other.

Are there contexts where the "degrees of separation" are fewer than six?

Yes, in close-knit communities, professional circles, or online networks, the "degrees of separation" can be significantly less. For instance, within a specific industry, there might be only two or three degrees separating professionals.

What is an alternative to "degrees of separation" that emphasizes connection?

Alternatives include "levels of connection", "social interconnectedness", or "network relationships", which highlight the interconnected nature of individuals or groups.