going separate ways

USAGE SUMMARY

"going separate ways" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where two or more people or things are separating or diverging from each other. It can also be used figuratively to describe the ending of a relationship or partnership. Example sentence: "After years of working together, the business partners decided to go their separate ways and pursue different opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Mr. Lotfy, Mr. Maher and Ms. Moore, however, are each going separate ways.

The New York Times

Comrade Narmada, Comrade Maase and Comrade Roopi are going separate ways.

The Guardian - Books

After working this summer as cabana boys in Atlantic Beach, the Mingelgreens are going separate ways for the first time.

The New York Times

Why? 'I Dream of Jeannie' (1965-70) Jeandie and Major Nelson conclude a spat by going separate ways.

The New York Times - Magazine

We see the two poets, stuffy and childlike respectively, going separate ways and tangling with Indians, scouts, animal spirits and Lewis and Clark.

The New York Times - Books

Ms. Jones and Mr. Burton became friends, and they tried five days of songwriting sessions at his studio in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles before going separate ways for a few years.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Politics and religion should go separate ways".

The New York Times

Mr. Perot and E.D.S. went separate ways.

The New York Times

We both felt it was best to go separate ways.

The New York Times - Sports

The rappers went separate ways as the 2000s ended.

The New York Times - Arts

After the show, band members went separate ways.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "going separate ways" to describe a decision to end a partnership, relationship, or collaboration where distinct paths are being pursued.

Common error

Avoid using "going separate ways" when simply describing people traveling to different locations temporarily. The phrase implies a more permanent or significant parting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going separate ways" functions as an idiomatic expression describing the act of individuals or entities diverging and pursuing independent paths. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing the dissolution of partnerships and relationships.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "going separate ways" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that describes the act of individuals or entities diverging and pursuing independent paths. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, general discussions, and personal narratives. While "going separate ways" is appropriate for describing significant partings, it should be avoided when simply referring to temporary travel in different directions. Related phrases include "part ways" and "split up". Its neutral register allows it to be used in a variety of situations, making it a versatile expression in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

part ways

Focuses on the act of ending a relationship or association.

go their own way

Emphasizes individual autonomy and independent decision-making.

split up

Specifically refers to the ending of a romantic relationship or partnership.

take different paths

Highlights the distinct routes or directions taken after a separation.

diverge

Implies a gradual movement away from a common point or path.

branch off

Suggests a branching out from a main path or direction.

disunite

Formal term for ceasing to be united.

become estranged

Indicates a breakdown in a relationship, often with emotional distance.

cease collaboration

Directly addresses the termination of a collaborative effort.

dissolve ties

Implies the severing of connections or bonds.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "going separate ways"?

Saying someone is "going separate ways" means they are choosing to end a relationship, partnership, or collaboration and pursue different paths or goals.

How can I use "going separate ways" in a sentence?

You can use "going separate ways" to describe situations where people are diverging, such as: "After years of collaboration, the artists decided "to part ways" and "go their own way"".

What's the difference between "going separate ways" and "part ways"?

"Going separate ways" emphasizes the distinct paths being taken, while "part ways" focuses on the act of ending the relationship itself. They are largely interchangeable, but the former slightly highlights the future direction.

What are some alternatives to "going separate ways"?

Alternatives include "split up", "diverge", or ""go their own way"", depending on the context and the specific aspect you want to emphasize.