part ways

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "part ways" is an acceptable and commonly used term in written English.
It is generally used to indicate that two or more entities are separating and going their separate ways. For example: After a long and difficult journey, Mary and John decided to part ways and head in opposite directions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We decided to part ways.

The New York Times

And there we part ways.

The New York Times

We part ways.

The Guardian - Music

Here the stories part ways.

The Guardian - Books

Ultimately the two part ways.

The New York Times - Books

If not, it's time to part ways.

Harvard Business Review

Why did he part ways with Trump?

The Washington Post

After much twisting and turning, the lovers part ways.

The New York Times - Arts

At that point, filmmaker and historian part ways.

The New York Times

This is where I part ways with Baldwin.

The New Yorker

Team Valor and Motion, meanwhile, will part ways after Ascot.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "part ways" to indicate a separation or divergence after a period of association or agreement. It often implies a mutual decision, though not always amicable.

Common error

Avoid using prepositions after "part ways" unless specifying the reason for separation. Saying "part ways because of" is redundant; instead, use "part ways due to" or simply state the reason directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "part ways" functions as a verb phrase, typically indicating the end of a relationship, agreement, or shared journey. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It serves to express a decision to separate or diverge, as seen in various examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "part ways" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a separation or divergence, whether in relationships, business, or journeys. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, but also appears in formal business settings and general conversations. While variations like "part ways with" exist, the simpler form is often more concise. Remember to consider the context when choosing between "part ways" and synonyms like "go separate ways" or "split up". Ludwig's examples illustrate the phrase's diverse applications and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go separate ways

Emphasizes the action of individuals choosing different paths or directions.

reach a parting of the ways

A more formal way of saying "part ways", often suggesting a significant decision point.

split up

Suggests a formal or definitive end to a relationship or partnership.

separate

A more general term for ceasing to be together.

break up

Commonly used in the context of ending a romantic relationship.

dissolve ties

Implies a severing of connections or affiliations.

diverge

Focuses on the act of moving in different directions, literally or figuratively.

end association

Formally concludes a connection or alliance.

cease collaboration

Highlights the termination of a working relationship.

disagree

Highlights a divergence in opinion or viewpoint.

FAQs

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

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

What are some alternatives to "part ways"?

Alternatives to "part ways" include "go separate ways", "split up", or "separate" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "part ways with"?

While it's common to hear "part ways with", it's often more concise to simply use "part ways". The "with" is implied when referring to the entity from which you are separating.

What's the difference between "part ways" and "break up"?

"Part ways" is a more general term for separation, applicable to various relationships, while "break up" typically refers to the end of a romantic relationship. You might "part ways" with a business partner, but you'd "break up" with a significant other.