in a separate step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a separate step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a particular action or process should be completed independently from others. Example: "Please complete the initial setup in a separate step before moving on to the main installation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

This is done in a separate step before digestion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The foam insulation is handled in a separate step.

The New York Times

In a separate step, surface classification operators are applied to obtain a partial opacity for every voxel.

Stanford University

Fibres can be drawn either as an integral part of the spinning operation or in a separate step.

Britannica

The male strategy of getting ahead is nicely demonstrated in a separate step of Reuben and colleagues' experiment: boasting.

Nature

The Lagrangean results are remapped with least-squares accuracy onto the desired Euler grid in a separate step.

Journal of Computational Physics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

While copper (I) can be directly electrodeposited from chloride excess solutions, copper (II) electrodeposition takes place via a separate step in which Cu II) is firstly reduced to Cu(I).

Electrochimica Acta

Drawing may be done in-line or as a separate step.

Britannica

Kenrick explains that poisons intended for rodents should never be fatal to humans – once the rat-killing aspect for poisons is developed, a separate step in the design process is dedicated to making humans vomit.

Independent

In a subsequent separate step, the produced ZnS is then converted to Ag2S which can be used for sulfur isotope analysis via fluorination [15, 20, 21].

Geochemical Transactions

Then, in a second separate step, one can run the dictionary learning algorithm on the modified signals (tilde {y}_{n}) and the resulting atoms will automatically be orthogonal to the low-rank component Γ.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining a procedure, clearly delineate each step. Use "in a separate step" to emphasize that a particular action needs to be performed independently for accuracy or clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "in a separate step" when actions are inherently intertwined. This phrase implies a clear division, so ensure the steps are genuinely distinct to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a separate step" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate how or when an action is performed. It clarifies that a specific action is carried out independently and distinctly from other actions within a sequence or process, as shown in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a separate step" is a useful tool for emphasizing the independent execution of an action within a broader process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and serves to clarify sequential instructions. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, this phrase is suitable for various registers, aiming for enhanced clarity. When employing this phrase, ensure genuine separation between actions to avoid ambiguity, and consider related alternatives like "as a distinct stage" or "as an independent operation" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a distinct stage

Emphasizes the uniqueness and individuality of the action.

in its own phase

Highlights the temporal separation of the action.

as an independent operation

Focuses on the self-contained nature of the action.

by means of a standalone process

Indicates the use of a complete, separate procedure.

via an isolated action

Stresses the disconnection of the action from others.

in a decoupled fashion

Implies a lack of dependency between actions.

as a discrete element

Highlights the distinct and individual character of the element.

through a segregated procedure

Suggests a planned separation of actions.

utilizing a phased approach

Implies breaking down actions into specific time-separated stages.

in an unbundled manner

Emphasizes that components are separate and not combined.

FAQs

How can I use "in a separate step" in a sentence?

Use "in a separate step" to highlight an action that should be completed independently. For example, "Please install the software, and then, "in a separate step", configure the settings."

What are some alternatives to using "in a separate step"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as a distinct stage", "as an independent operation", or "by means of a standalone process", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "in a subsequent separate step"?

While not strictly incorrect, "in a subsequent separate step" can be redundant. Using just "in a subsequent step" or ""in a separate step"" often suffices to convey the intended meaning more concisely.

When is it appropriate to use "in a separate step" versus integrating the action into a larger step?

Use "in a separate step" when the action requires specific attention, might be overlooked if combined with another action, or needs to be performed in a particular order to avoid errors. If the action is simple and directly related, integrating it may be more efficient.