parting

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'parting' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used as a noun or adjective to refer to a separation or farewell. Example: "Their parting was bittersweet as they said goodbye to each other at the airport."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But compared with far-right parties in France, Germany, Italy and parts of Scandinavia, the BNP are marginal agitators.In this section Rambo's parting shot Women beware women Top grade Socialism in one country Not yet airborne The London effect The mayor's £5 flutter Alone, together Tilting too far?

The Economist

His record - two cups within six months of his appointment, a domestic treble in his first full season, a second title in 2005 and reaching the last 16 of the Champions League - set the context for a rueful but masterfully understated parting comment: "I'm sure those people who look at the facts will say that during a period of downsizing, I was reasonably successful".

The Guardian - Sport

The draw meant St Mirren failed to get the win they needed to secure seventh place and their highest top-flight finish since 1989 and are rumoured to be parting company with their manager, Danny Lennon, in the coming days.

The Guardian - Sport

So in her parting message to her supporters, she fought to get her voice heard over the car horns and chatter of the crowd: "Michelle is going to be a fantastic MP but she's only going to be your MP if you get out there and make it happen".

The Guardian

Recently, Rose's response to those parting words – "A very nice Cobb salad, which we're going to enjoy in the garden, lubricated by a well-chilled bottle of picpoul and followed by a nap" – led me to change my mind about a dish I had always thought of as just one of those big American salads with wedges of iceberg and a creamy dressing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Czechoslovakia's "velvet divorce", approaching its 20th anniversary, probably serves as the best example in postwar Europe of a relatively smooth parting of the ways.

The Guardian

Her parting shot to Monrad is all-encompassing and final: "Oh, don't stand there like a disappointed fat boy".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In no particular order we've had Tilda Swinton wearing androgynous suits, Bobby Gillespie wearing chiffon and a girly hair parting, Annie Hall and, of course, the maestro himself, David Bowie.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You could just make out this minuscule couple parting with a chaste kiss in front of a newspaper stand.

The Guardian - Arts

Did he ask why? "I did suggest in my parting remarks that [the ECHR] might have been one of the reasons, and I told him I thought it was a direction of travel that I still remained of the view was a bad one.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A conservative Old Dogs centre-parting?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "parting" to add a touch of formality or emotional weight to moments of separation or farewells. For example, use "parting words" instead of "goodbye message".

Common error

While both words relate to separation, "parting" often implies a more gentle or amicable division, while "splitting" suggests a forceful or contentious break. Choose "parting" when emphasizing a planned or agreed-upon separation.

Linguistic Context

The word "parting" functions primarily as a noun denoting the act of separating or leaving. It can also act as an adjective modifying another noun, as seen in the examples in Ludwig: "parting words", "parting gift" etc. It describes the action of bidding farewell or experiencing a division.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "parting" is a versatile word, primarily used as a noun or adjective to describe acts of separation, farewells, or division. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and appropriate for use in written English. Its grammatical function ranges from describing a division to setting a tone of closure or transition. While the term sees common usage, as demonstrated by the numerous examples within Ludwig, it is important to note that it holds formal connotations. When aiming for precision and impact, "parting" serves as a valuable choice, adding depth and emotional resonance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

departure

Focuses on the act of leaving a place or situation, emphasizing the physical movement away.

farewell

Emphasizes the expression of good wishes at the time of leaving or separation.

goodbye

A common and informal way to express wishes of well-being upon leaving.

separation

Highlights the state of being divided or kept apart, whether physically or emotionally.

division

Emphasizes the act of splitting something into parts or sections.

split

A more informal term for division, often implying a disagreement or conflict.

dissociation

Suggests a more formal or clinical separation, often used in psychological or sociological contexts.

severance

Implies a complete and often formal cutting off of a relationship or connection.

breaking up

Refers to the ending of a relationship, often romantic.

detachment

Suggests a deliberate emotional distance or lack of involvement.

FAQs

How can I use "parting" in a sentence?

You can use "parting" to describe an act of leaving (e.g., "Their "farewell" was a tearful "parting""), or as an adjective (e.g., "He gave a "parting gift"").

What are some alternatives to the word "parting"?

Depending on the context, you could use "departure", "separation", "farewell", or "goodbye".

Is "parting" a formal word?

"Parting" can be considered more formal than a simple "goodbye". It often carries a sense of finality or emotional weight.

What is a "parting shot"?

A "parting shot" is a final remark, often witty or critical, made just before leaving or ending a conversation. It is intended to leave a lasting impression.