line of separation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "line of separation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a boundary or distinction between two entities, groups, or concepts. Example: "The line of separation between the two countries was marked by a river."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Tenderness and physical passion are mutual between the dancers, but the tango is a line of separation not crossed by either.

The New York Times - Arts

Quoting from a 1972 Supreme Court case about public financing of private schools, the opinion noted that the line of separation between church and state, "far from being a wall, is a blurred, indistinct and variable depending on all the circumstances of a particular relationship".

The New York Times

The troops were seized in the town of Shchastya, near the line of separation.

BBC

Frons twice the width of anterior ocellus in male; genal region white with whitish setae; outer vertical seta usually present in male; eye facets without clear line of separation between larger and smaller facets in male.

The Journal of Basic and Applied Zoology

Nevertheless, due to the relatively low tensile strength and mostly brittle behaviour of glass, compared to other traditional materials, as well as to a multitude of interacting structural and non-structural components, windows/facades are one of the most fragile and vulnerable components of buildings, being representative of the physical line of separation between interior and exterior spaces.

Construction and Building Materials

The line of separation isn't always bright.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Foundation, eye shadow, concealer, blush and contouring always look best when lines of separation are properly diffused and blended.

Huffington Post

But she also drew lines of separation from him that will come in handy in states where he is less revered.

Los Angeles Times

It is Scalia's view that clear lines of separation among the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches follow directly from the Constitution, with no branch allowed to exercise powers granted to another branch.

Wikipedia

From the trade-off line of acetone/ethanol separation via pervaporation, it can be revealed that PVDF membranes cast from mixed solvent systems at higher evaporation temperatures, i.e. 60 100 °C, exhibit superior separation factors (up to 4) with reasonably high fluxes (1 4 kg/m2 h) as compared to those of pure NMP system.

Journal of Membrane Science

Mikey, quite literally, has put his life on the line for separation of church and state, a principle articulated in our nation's constitution, not in some party platform.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "line of separation", ensure the context clearly defines what is being separated. For instance, specify whether it's a physical boundary, a conceptual distinction, or a legal demarcation.

Common error

Avoid using "line of separation" in overly abstract or vague contexts where a more specific term like "distinction" or "difference" would be more precise. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound less clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "line of separation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes a boundary or distinction between two entities or concepts, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples concerning church and state or physical spaces.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

56%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "line of separation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a boundary or distinction. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its frequency is uncommon, appearing mostly in news, media, and scientific contexts. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines what is being separated to avoid vagueness. Related phrases like "dividing line" or "demarcation line" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuance desired. The phrase's neutral to formal register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dividing line

Focuses on the action of dividing or distinguishing.

boundary line

Emphasizes a physical or abstract limit.

demarcation line

Implies a clear and defined border or boundary.

frontier

Suggests a less defined, more fluid boundary.

borderline

Refers to a state or situation that is on the edge of being something else.

distinction

Highlights a difference or contrast.

parting line

Emphasizes the action of separating or departing.

zone of separation

Focuses on an area where entities are kept apart.

gulf between

Implies a significant divide or difference.

point of divergence

Emphasizes the place where things start to move apart.

FAQs

How can I use "line of separation" in a sentence?

You can use "line of separation" to describe a boundary or distinction between two things. For example, "The river served as the "line of separation" between the two countries."

What's a good alternative to "line of separation"?

Depending on the context, you could use "dividing line", "boundary line", or "demarcation line" as alternatives to "line of separation".

Is there a difference between "line of separation" and "boundary line"?

"Line of separation" emphasizes the act of separating, while "boundary line" focuses on the existence of a limit or border. The terms are often interchangeable, but the nuance can shift the emphasis of your sentence.

When is it appropriate to use "line of separation" instead of "division"?

"Line of separation" is best used when referring to a clear, often visible or formally recognized, separation. "Division" is a more general term and can refer to any separation, whether or not it is clearly defined. You could use the phrase "point of divergence".