held apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is being physically or metaphorically separated or distanced from something else. Example: "The two friends stood held apart by their differing opinions on the matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Michael Cunningham's The Hours tells three stories of three days, held apart by time.

The Guardian - Books

First, they imagined two tilted slopes that could be laid on top of each other or held apart.

The New York Times - Science

"These novels are all about the strange ways in which people are brought together and the painful ways in which they are held apart".

BBC

These assimilations illustrate a universal tendency of vowel interaction and are of relatively recent origin; they are best held apart from the question of vowel harmony.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With variable annuities, your money is invested in underlying subaccounts — similar to stock mutual funds — that are held apart from the insurance company's assets.

The New York Times

This balding, fiercely mustached writer and coffeehouse habitué reveals angst in his tense facial expression and hands held apart as if struggling to outline a large idea.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Potential applications include tiny batteries that use the nails to hold apart the chemicals until precisely when electricity is needed.

The New York Times - Science

In that position, Mr. Ranieri will represent the independent directors on the board, speaking on their behalf to outsiders and conducting any separate meetings they may hold apart from the full board, which is led by Mr. Wang as chairman.

The New York Times

The material is wherever possible concrete: concrete floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, paving and a strong rhythm of concrete beams that hold apart the party walls with the two neighbouring properties.

The Guardian - Arts

Nanotubes are already sprinkled in more than half of lithium ion batteries: their ability to carry electricity hastens recharging, and they act like tiny springs to hold apart the sheets of graphite in the battery, extending its lifetime.

The New York Times - Science

Those norms hold apart from a positive action by a legislature or legislator.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "held apart", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being separated and the reason for the separation. For example, "The two ideologies were held apart by fundamental differences."

Common error

Avoid using "held apart" when a more direct synonym like "separated" or "isolated" would provide clearer and more appropriate meaning. Overusing "held apart" can sometimes sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

Held apart functions primarily as a verb phrase, often in the passive voice. It signifies the act of maintaining a distance or separation between two or more entities, whether physical or abstract. Ludwig AI confirms that it can be used to describe something that is being physically or metaphorically separated or distanced from something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Arts

4%

Sport

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "held apart" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that describes the state of being separated or kept at a distance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Analysis of the examples from Ludwig shows its prevalence across news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what is being separated and the reason for the separation. While there are many alternatives, such as "kept separate" or "isolated from", choosing the most appropriate synonym depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kept separate

Focuses on maintaining a state of separation.

kept at a distance

Emphasizes the act of maintaining distance.

maintained separately

Highlights the independent existence or treatment of items.

isolated from

Suggests a more forceful separation, often implying a negative connotation.

segregated from

Indicates a formal or imposed separation.

detached from

Implies a removal of emotional or physical connection.

partitioned off

Describes physical separation by a barrier.

cordoned off

Suggests separation for security or control purposes.

set asunder

A more archaic or dramatic way to describe separation.

spaced out

Emphasizes the physical distance between objects.

FAQs

How can I use "held apart" in a sentence?

You can use "held apart" to describe physical separation, as in "The electrodes were "held apart" by an insulator", or metaphorical separation, such as "Their beliefs "held apart" due to conflicting values".

What is a good alternative to "held apart"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "held apart" include "kept separate", "isolated from", or "maintained separately".

Is it correct to say "being held apart"?

Yes, "being "held apart"" is grammatically correct and is used in the passive voice to describe something currently undergoing separation or being maintained in a separated state.

What's the difference between "held apart" and "separated"?

"Separated" is a more general term for being divided. "Held apart" often implies a force or reason actively maintaining the separation, whereas "separated" may simply indicate a state of division without emphasizing the active maintenance of that state. Example: 'The countries were "separated" by a border' versus 'The rivals were "held apart" by security guards'.