part company

USAGE SUMMARY

"part company" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to separate, usually after being together for a while. For example, "After two years together, we decided to part company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And then we part company!

The New York Times

At that point, they part company.

The New York Times

We part company at King's Cross.

The Guardian

We really part company on news media.

The New York Times - Magazine

Here, I part company with the NUS.

The Guardian

In that way I part company with the angels.

The New York Times - Food

I said perhaps we should part company for a while.

The New Yorker

It's time to be decisive and part company".

The Guardian - Sport

And that's where I part company with the Darlington headteacher.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is where I part company with Charlotte.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That is when you must part company with it".

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "part company" to denote a separation that might be amicable or due to differing viewpoints rather than outright conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "part company" when referring to brief or temporary separations. This phrase implies a more permanent or significant parting of ways.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "part company" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of separating or ending a relationship. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies a divergence in direction or purpose. It's often used to describe a formal or decided separation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "part company" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies the end of a relationship or agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it implies a divergence in direction or purpose. While versatile, it's most frequently observed in news and media, academia, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, consider the potential for misinterpretation in casual settings where the term may sound overly formal. Remember that alternatives like "go separate ways" or "disagree" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go separate ways

Focuses on the physical separation and divergence of paths.

reach a parting of the ways

A more formal and figurative way of expressing separation.

split up

Suggests a formal ending of a relationship or partnership.

discontinue relations

A more formal expression for ending a relationship.

end association

Highlights the termination of a formal connection or affiliation.

terminate partnership

Implies a formal dissolution of a business arrangement.

break ties

Emphasizes severing connections or relationships.

cease collaboration

Specifically refers to stopping a collaborative effort.

disagree

Highlights the disagreement aspect leading to separation, less about the physical parting.

dissent

Focuses on the difference in opinion as the reason for separation.

FAQs

How can I use "part company" in a sentence?

You can use "part company" to describe the end of a relationship or an agreement to disagree. For example, "After years of collaboration, the two companies decided to "part company"".

What does "part company" mean?

"Part company" means to separate or end a relationship, often due to differing opinions or paths. It implies a divergence in direction or purpose.

Which is a more formal way to say "part company"?

More formal alternatives to "part company" include "discontinue relations", "terminate partnership", or "end association".

What's the difference between "part company" and "split up"?

"Part company" often refers to a more formal or professional separation, while "split up" typically implies the end of a romantic relationship or a more informal separation.