difficult to separate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to separate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing things that are closely linked or intertwined, making them hard to distinguish or divide. Example: "The concepts of love and friendship can often be difficult to separate in close relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are even more difficult to separate.

The New York Times - Sports

It is difficult to separate the tapestry.

The New Yorker

Yet the issues are difficult to separate.

Independent

Thus, this liquid is difficult to separate.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

CA pers often hybridize, difficult to separate.

University of California, Berkeley

"It was difficult to separate myself".

The New York Times

Indeed, it may be difficult to separate them.

Stanford University

It is difficult to separate the investigators from the investigatees.

The New Yorker

However, as with any emerging technology, it can be difficult to separate promise from probability.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Some species difficult to separate; green-flowered species doubtfully distinct from P. unalascensis.

University of California, Berkeley

Many annual species difficult to separate; observation of nutlets and hairs requires magnification at 20X.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to separate", consider the specific reason for the difficulty. Is it due to similarity, entanglement, or abstract connection? Choose the word that best reflects the cause.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to separate" too broadly. Ensure it accurately reflects a tangible or understandable challenge in distinguishing or dividing something. Overuse can dilute the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to separate" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage and acceptability. Examples show it describing tangible and abstract concepts that are hard to distinguish.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

54%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difficult to separate" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe things that are hard to distinguish or divide. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific reason for the difficulty in separation to ensure accurate and impactful communication. Alternatives like "hard to differentiate" or "challenging to discern" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to differentiate

Focuses on the lack of distinction between two or more things.

tough to distinguish

Similar to differentiate, but implies a greater degree of difficulty.

challenging to discern

Highlights the difficulty in perceiving or understanding the difference.

indistinguishable

Implies that items are so similar that they cannot be told apart.

blurred lines

Emphasizes a lack of clear boundaries or distinctions.

closely intertwined

Highlights the close connection and mutual involvement of two or more things.

difficult to isolate

Emphasizes the impossibility of extracting or separating something.

hard to disentangle

Focuses on the complexity of separating interwoven elements.

inseparable

Indicates that things cannot be divided or treated separately.

difficult to tell apart

Focuses on the challenge of distinguishing things that appear very similar.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult to separate" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult to separate" to describe concepts, objects, or ideas that are closely related or intertwined. For example, "It is difficult to separate fact from fiction in this account."

What are some alternatives to "difficult to separate"?

Alternatives include "hard to differentiate", "challenging to discern", or "indistinguishable", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'difficult to separating'?

No, the correct form is "difficult to separate". The infinitive form of the verb (to separate) should be used after "difficult to".

What's the difference between "difficult to separate" and "difficult to distinguish"?

"Difficult to separate" implies that things are intertwined and hard to pull apart, while "difficult to distinguish" focuses more on the challenge of perceiving the difference between them. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing entanglement or lack of clear distinction.