lived separately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lived separately" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where two or more people reside in different locations, often implying a relationship where they do not share a home. Example: "After years of conflict, they decided it was best for their mental health that they lived separately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If you and your spouse have lived separately under a decree of separate maintenance from any state for three (3) consecutive years without cohabitation, you may want to choose this no-fault ground for divorce.

WikiHow

We lived separately for about two years.

The Guardian - Opinion

My sister had lived separately from us with my father.

The Guardian

They lived separately and worked together to rear their children.

The New York Times - Sports

After moving to San Francisco in 2000, they lived separately but that gave way to cohabitation.

The New York Times

While the groups lived separately, the proximity of settlements suggests an increasing economic interdependence.

Britannica

In interviews, their former neighbors said the Arabs had lived separately from Afghans.

The New York Times

The three older men lived separately in Poughkeepsie's tattered downtown district.

The New York Times

They lived separately but enjoyed holidaying together, walking, working out, cooking.

The Guardian

We're the only marrieds we know who lived separately before the big day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They are, and must be, two entirely separate people, who live separately, love separately, and die separately.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lived separately" to clearly and concisely indicate that individuals or groups did not share a common residence. This phrase is useful in legal, sociological, and personal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "lived separately" when you simply mean individuals resided in different rooms within the same dwelling. The phrase implies distinct households or residences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lived separately" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of residing in different locations. This signifies a physical separation between individuals, as seen in examples from Ludwig across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lived separately" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe individuals or groups residing in different locations. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and suitable for formal, neutral, and informal contexts. Its prevalence is particularly noticeable in News & Media. When using the phrase, it's important to convey factual information accurately regarding the different living arrangements. Alternative phrases like "resided apart" or "dwelt separately" can be used to add variety while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resided apart

Focuses on the physical location of living, emphasizing distance.

dwelt separately

More formal and emphasizes the act of inhabiting different places.

maintained separate residences

Highlights the upkeep and independence of different homes.

had separate households

Emphasizes the establishment and management of distinct domestic units.

did not cohabitate

Specifically points out the absence of living together.

lived in different locations

Broadly indicates living in distinct geographical areas.

occupied different dwellings

Focuses on the physical structures inhabited.

were estranged

Implies emotional distance and separation in addition to physical.

maintained separate lives

Encompasses all aspects of life, not just residence.

functioned independently

Shifts the focus to operational autonomy rather than physical separation.

FAQs

How can I use "lived separately" in a sentence?

You can use "lived separately" to indicate that individuals or groups did not share a common residence. For example: "After the argument, they "lived separately" for several months."

What are some alternatives to "lived separately"?

Some alternatives include "resided apart", "dwelt separately", or "maintained separate residences", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "lived separately but together"?

The phrase "lived separately but together" can be used to describe a relationship dynamic where partners maintain separate residences but are still committed to each other. However, consider whether a clearer phrasing might be more appropriate depending on the context.

What's the difference between "lived separately" and "separated"?

"Lived separately" simply indicates that people resided in different locations, whereas "separated" often implies a formal or informal agreement to end a relationship but not yet divorced.