do not separate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not separate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to instruct someone not to divide or break apart items, such as in packaging or instructions. Example: "Please ensure that the items are kept together and do not separate them during shipping."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They do not separate them.

The Guardian - Sport

But Itzkoff's parents do not separate.

The New York Times - Books

We do not separate things out.

The New York Times

In his life, the two ideas do not separate easily.

The New York Times

Such films do not separate with it even when the cenosphere is crushed.

Rare Metals

Additionally, Peters and Sloan do not separate the impacts of methane from that of PSCs.

Harvard University

Conformers currently in use do not separate the lateral lid margins enough to prevent such scarring after lateral canthotomy.

Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus

At present, care homes do not separate such costs within their overall fees.

The Guardian

It is only because they have three children that he & his wife, Zena, do not separate.

The New Yorker

Aneuploidy, in which a cell has an abnormal number of chromosomes, occurs if chromosomes do not separate properly.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bacteria that do not separate from one another after cell division form characteristic clusters that are helpful in their identification.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, use "do not separate" to clearly indicate that items should be kept together to avoid confusion or damage. For instance, "When assembling the product, do not separate the components until instructed."

Common error

Avoid using "do not separate" when 'separating' is part of a crucial process, which leads to confusion. If separation is detrimental to the process, clearly state the negative consequences of doing so. For instance, say: "Failing to keep parts assembled will cause the machine to malfunction," instead of "do not separate parts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not separate" functions as a negative imperative, providing a direct instruction to avoid the action of separating. This is evident in examples from Ludwig where it's used in contexts ranging from product assembly to social interaction, clearly stating what should not be done. As stated by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

41%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do not separate" serves as a negative imperative, instructing against division or detachment. Examples from Ludwig show it's widely used across various contexts, from product assembly and scientific studies to social interactions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While generally neutral in register, its frequency in scientific, news media, and wiki sources highlights its broad applicability. For clarity, avoid using it when 'separating' is part of a crucial process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep together

Emphasizes maintaining proximity or unity.

do not divide

Focuses on avoiding the act of splitting into parts.

do not detach

Specifically advises against disconnecting or unfastening.

leave intact

Stresses the importance of preserving the original condition.

maintain unity

Highlights the preservation of wholeness or oneness.

do not disconnect

Advises against breaking a connection or link.

do not dissociate

Focuses on avoiding the act of disuniting or disengaging.

retain integrity

Stresses the importance of keeping things in their original condition.

do not disjoin

A more formal way of saying "do not separate".

preserve connection

Emphasizes maintaining a link or relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "do not separate" in a sentence?

The phrase "do not separate" is used to instruct someone to keep items together. For example, "When washing these clothes, do not separate the delicates from the rest of the load".

What can I say instead of "do not separate"?

You can use alternatives like "keep together", "leave intact", or "do not divide" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "do not separate" or "keep together"?

Both "do not separate" and "keep together" are correct, but "keep together" is a more affirmative instruction. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

When should I use "do not separate" instead of "do not divide"?

"Do not separate" implies keeping physically connected items together, whereas "do not divide" suggests not splitting something into parts. For example, "do not separate the components" versus "do not divide the cake".