go their separate ways

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go their separate ways" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when two people or groups decide to end a relationship or collaboration, or to take different paths in the future. For example, "The couple decided to go their separate ways after 10 years of marriage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A Separation begins with a middle-class Tehran couple deciding to go their separate ways.

Independent

Then they go their separate ways.

The New York Times

Otherwise, these artists go their separate ways.

The New York Times - Arts

They decided to go their separate ways.

The New York Times

Or they simply go their separate ways.

The New York Times

Congress and the DMK may eventually go their separate ways.

The Economist

In the meantime, the two will go their separate ways.

The New York Times - Sports

They begin an affair, but then go their separate ways.

The Guardian - Film

But after that they go their separate ways.

The New York Times - Arts

We share his ambivalence as they go their separate ways, reunite, then go their separate ways, again and again.

The New York Times - Books

Their paths accidentally cross, they smile and shake hands, and then they go their separate ways.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go their separate ways" when you want to express a decision to end a relationship, partnership, or collaboration, emphasizing the act of individuals or entities moving in different directions.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase with the wrong possessive pronoun. It should be "their" when referring to multiple people or entities. Using "his", "her", or "its" would be grammatically incorrect unless referring to a single entity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go their separate ways" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used to describe the dissolution of a relationship, partnership, or agreement, as supported by Ludwig. It suggests a divergence in paths or objectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go their separate ways" is a common idiom used to describe the ending of a relationship, partnership, or collaboration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news and media, as well as encyclopedias and wiki sources. While often associated with negative events like breakups or business dissolutions, it can also represent a positive step towards individual growth. Alternatives like "part ways" or "split up" offer similar meanings, but "go their separate ways" provides a more descriptive and nuanced expression of diverging paths.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

part ways

A more concise way of saying "go their separate ways".

split up

Implies a more definitive end to a relationship.

separate

A more general term for ceasing to be together.

break up

Specifically refers to the end of a romantic relationship.

go different directions

Emphasizes the change in path or goals.

dissolve their partnership

Suitable for business or formal collaborations.

disband

Typically used for groups or organizations ceasing to exist or work together.

cease collaboration

A formal way to describe the end of a joint effort.

end their association

Describes the termination of a formal or informal connection.

decouple

Suggests a deliberate separation, often in a technical or political context.

FAQs

What does it mean to "go their separate ways"?

To "go their separate ways" means that individuals or groups have decided to end their relationship or collaboration and pursue different paths or goals.

How can I use "go their separate ways" in a sentence?

You can use "go their separate ways" to describe the end of a partnership, like: "After years of working together, the business partners decided to "go their separate ways"."

What are some alternatives to "go their separate ways"?

Alternatives include "part ways", "split up", or "go different directions", depending on the context.

Is it always negative when people "go their separate ways"?

Not necessarily. While it often implies the end of something, it can also represent a positive step towards individual growth or new opportunities. It depends on the circumstances.