lengthy separation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lengthy separation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a prolonged period of being apart from someone or something, often in emotional or relational contexts. Example: "After a lengthy separation, they finally reunited and embraced each other with tears of joy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The assignment means a lengthy separation from his wife, the former Beth Stringham of Houston, a physical therapist who works with astronauts who have extended stays in space.

The New York Times

In "Seven," from 2001, Danticat writes about a Haitian émigré in New York who is reunited with his wife after a lengthy separation: Next month would make it seven years since he'd last seen his wife.

The New Yorker

Kristin Scott Thomas has her best-ever role in this French drama, playing a taciturn woman who comes to stay with her sister, Elsa Zylberstein, after a lengthy separation.

Independent

Here's how Mr. Rubenfeld describes their greeting after a lengthy separation: "Two women, once upon a time the best of friends, meeting again after years apart, will cry out in disbelief, embrace, protest, and immediately take up the missing pieces of their lives, painting them in for one another with all the tint and vividness they can.

The New York Times - Books

When he finally returned after the lengthy separation, Odie could barely contain his excitement.

Huffington Post

This saves time and resources by avoiding lengthy separation processes and purification of the intermediate chemical compounds while increasing chemical yield.

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

An article on Thursday about the lengthy separations that several victims of Sunday's shooting rampage at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin had endured from their families in India misstated the pronunciation of Sikh.

The New York Times

The Obama administration announced on Friday a small regulatory change that will make it easier for illegal immigrants related to American citizens to get green cards, in many cases preventing lengthy separations of family members.

The New York Times

Between the frequent and lengthy separations with limited communication, the personal transformations we experience individually because of those separations, and the challenges of reintegration as we learn how to live together again, we have our work cut out for us as these obstacles can sometimes overshadow the feelings we felt toward our spouses before the military stepped in.

The New York Times

A simple HPLC methodology is proposed which takes into account changes in solvent composition and analysis time in order to speed up lengthy separations without affecting the chromatographic resolution.

TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry

As the minimum resolution does not consider the analysis time, it can lead to lengthy separations.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about relationships or situations where individuals are physically or emotionally distant, use "lengthy separation" to clearly convey the prolonged nature of their time apart. This adds a sense of duration and emphasizes the impact of their absence from each other.

Common error

Avoid using "lengthy separation" when describing short or temporary periods of absence. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the separation is prolonged and has a significant impact on the individuals involved. A more fitting term for brief absences would be "short absence" or "brief period apart".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lengthy separation" functions as a noun phrase, where "lengthy" modifies the noun "separation". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It describes a prolonged period of being apart, typically in relational or situational contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lengthy separation" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe a prolonged period of being apart. Ludwig AI's analysis of various sources reveals that it's most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. While not exceptionally frequent, it's a clear and effective way to convey the duration and impact of a separation. When using this phrase, ensure that the separation is indeed prolonged to avoid misapplication. Consider alternatives like "prolonged separation" or "extended absence" depending on the nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prolonged separation

Emphasizes the extended duration of the separation.

extended period of estrangement

Focuses on the emotional distance and duration of being estranged.

long-term absence

Highlights the duration of the absence rather than the separation itself.

protracted period apart

Stresses the drawn-out nature of the time spent apart.

lengthy period of disconnection

Focuses on the lack of communication or connection during the separation.

long-lasting estrangement

Highlights the enduring nature of the estrangement.

extensive time away

Emphasizes the amount of time spent away.

substantial interval of separation

Highlights the significant duration of the separation.

considerable time of detachment

Emphasizes the emotional distance and the length of the detachment.

long-drawn-out period of separation

Stresses the protracted and often difficult nature of the separation.

FAQs

How can I use "lengthy separation" in a sentence?

You can use "lengthy separation" to describe a long period of being apart from someone or something. For example, "The couple struggled to maintain their relationship after a "lengthy separation" due to military deployment."

What are some alternatives to "lengthy separation"?

Alternatives to "lengthy separation" include phrases like "prolonged separation", "extended absence", or "protracted period apart", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "lengthy separation" and "temporary absence"?

"Lengthy separation" implies a significant duration of being apart, whereas "temporary absence" suggests a short-term or brief period away. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the duration of the separation you are describing.

Is it appropriate to use "lengthy separation" in a formal context?

Yes, "lengthy separation" is appropriate in formal contexts, such as academic papers, news articles, or professional reports, as it clearly and concisely conveys the idea of a prolonged period of being apart.