drive separately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drive separately" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to individuals traveling in different vehicles rather than together in one. Example: "Due to the different schedules, we decided to drive separately to the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Separate households generally make separate shopping trips and drive separately to social events, increasing the total number of journeys.

The Economist

They drive separately to the mansion, which really is a mansion, hidden at the end of a long driveway.

The New Yorker

Not that Victoria's mother won't be going up, too, but she will drive separately, in an S.U.V. that can actually hold Victoria's belongings.

The New York Times - Travel

The dual sliding surface is selected for each drive separately, which integrates the traditional PD-type tracking sliding surface, a PD-type contouring sliding surface consisting of the axis component of the contour errors, and the input signal together.

International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture

Well lookie at that, GameStop is selling a 250GB Xbox 360 drive separately from a console.

TechCrunch

But in Orange County, poll workers are allowed to drive separately as long as they follow each other.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The micro-manipulator consists of a left finger and a right finger driven separately by three driving units.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

To test the hardware, each piece was driven separately to verify functionality.

Cornell University

Randolph stayed at his own house and drove separately from the team.

The New York Times - Sports

Before gas prices jumped, band members drove separately to practice at the drummer's house in Chesterland, 15 miles away.

The New York Times

Two criminal investigators and four prosecutors died as they drove separately through an intersection controlled by militants in Nazran, according to news reports.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drive separately" when you want to clearly indicate that individuals are using different vehicles to reach the same or different destinations, particularly when contrasting it with carpooling or group travel.

Common error

Avoid using "drive separately" when the intention is to emphasize independent action in a broader sense, rather than specifically referring to the act of driving. Consider alternatives like "act independently" or "proceed individually" if the context is not about transportation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drive separately" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb, indicating the manner in which the action of driving is performed. It specifies that individuals are not traveling together in the same vehicle. Ludwig confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drive separately" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood expression indicating that individuals are using different vehicles for their travel. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and applicable in various contexts, ranging from news reports and travel arrangements to personal anecdotes. While not exceedingly frequent, its usage is consistent and clear. Alternatives like "travel independently" or "go in different cars" can offer similar meanings, but "drive separately" specifically emphasizes the act of driving in separate vehicles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go in different cars

A more explicit and straightforward way to say that each person uses their own vehicle.

travel in separate cars

Highlights the mode of transport, focusing on the vehicles used.

take separate vehicles

Similar to 'go in different cars' but slightly more formal.

travel independently

Emphasizes the autonomy of each person's journey, removing the focus on driving specifically.

make their own way

Focuses on the individual's responsibility for their travel arrangements.

go their separate ways

Indicates a divergence in paths or destinations, not just vehicles.

commute individually

Specifically refers to the act of traveling to work or a similar destination on one's own.

use individual transportation

A broader term covering various modes of transport chosen by individuals.

proceed independently

Highlights autonomy in movement, applicable in various contexts beyond just driving.

split up for the journey

Implies a deliberate decision to separate for the purpose of traveling.

FAQs

How can I use "drive separately" in a sentence?

You can use "drive separately" to indicate that people are traveling in different vehicles. For example: "Due to conflicting schedules, we decided to drive separately to the conference."

What can I say instead of "drive separately"?

Alternatives include "travel independently", "go in different cars", or "take separate vehicles" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "drove separately"?

Yes, "drove separately" is the past tense form and is grammatically correct. For example: "They drove separately to the party last night."

What's the difference between "drive separately" and "travel separately"?

"Drive separately" specifically refers to using different vehicles, while "travel separately" is a broader term that includes any mode of transport. You can travel separately by plane, train, or car.