needs to be separated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to be separated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something requires division or distinction from another element. Example: "The components of the mixture needs to be separated before analysis can begin."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

First, the plastic coating needs to be separated from the high-quality paper fibre of the cup itself.

The Guardian

I don't want to believe that any group of people on earth needs to be separated from other groups for its own safety.

The New York Times

If anything good is coming out of the complete mess that is the Eastern Conference right now, it's that it raises the question about whether or not the NBA really needs to be separated into divisions.

The Guardian - Sport

Many advocates go farther and say that the air traffic control system needs to be separated from the F.A.A. and handed over to a new, independent entity that would operate like a business.

The New York Times

"But what I do as an individual or what we do as adult leaders of this movement needs to be separated out from what we do with children who travel under our auspices," he said in his remarks in early June.

The New York Times

"Whether that means going to a synagogue or church for some spiritual inspiration, whether that means realizing one's self worth needs to be separated from one's net worth, there are more important things in life, connection with family, with friends, with God".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Since this sparsification increases the amount of TF bins without any active sources, which do not need to be separated, it reduces the computational complexity of the separation.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Two distinct issues need to be separated.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They need to be separated out".

The New York Times

Now appearance and substance need to be separated here.

The Guardian - Opinion

These are different services and need to be separated in the buying process.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about technical or scientific topics, consider synonyms like "isolated" or "partitioned" for increased precision.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to be separated" in situations where simpler verbs like "divide" or "remove" would suffice. Overusing passive voice can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex. For example, instead of saying "The trash needs to be separated", a better sentence could be "Separate the trash".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be separated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something requires division or distinction from another. This grammatical function is consistent across various examples found by Ludwig, and the Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needs to be separated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction indicating a requirement for division or distinction. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, notably science, news, and general information. While adaptable to different registers, it tends toward neutral and formal scientific writing. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure that the reasons and methods for separation are well-defined. Consider synonyms like "must be isolated" or "should be segregated" to adjust the level of emphasis or formality. However, don't overuse it in simple contexts where more direct verbs would improve clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be isolated

Emphasizes the necessity of complete isolation or detachment.

should be segregated

Suggests a formal or systematic division into distinct groups.

requires partitioning

Implies a division into distinct parts or sections, often in a technical context.

ought to be detached

Indicates a moral obligation or advisability of separating something.

has to be disconnected

Focuses on the act of breaking a connection or link.

demands disjunction

Highlights the essential need for a clear separation or distinction.

warrants differentiation

Emphasizes the justification for distinguishing between two or more things.

calls for unraveling

Suggests a complex situation that requires disentangling or separating its components.

necessitates decoupling

Emphasizes the need to reduce the correlation between two or more variables.

is crucial to unlink

Highlights the critical importance of severing the connection or association between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "needs to be separated" in a sentence?

Use "needs to be separated" to indicate a requirement for division or distinction, such as "The recyclable material "needs to be separated" from the general waste".

What are some alternatives to "needs to be separated"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "must be isolated", "should be segregated", or "requires partitioning".

Is it better to use "needs to be separated" or "must be separated"?

"Needs to be separated" and "must be separated" are both grammatically correct. "Must be separated" often implies a stronger obligation or necessity.

What's the difference between "needs to be separated" and "should be separated"?

"Needs to be separated" indicates a necessity, whereas "should be separated" suggests a recommendation or advisability. The choice depends on the level of urgency or requirement.