parting ways

USAGE SUMMARY

'parting ways' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when speaking about two people or groups in a situation where they are no longer associated, either due to a disagreement or other circumstances. For example, "After a heated argument, the two teams decided to part ways".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

China is parting ways with North Korea.

The New Yorker

NBC and baseball are parting ways.

The New York Times - Sports

On the cheek before parting ways.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But now they are parting ways.

The New York Times - Sports

Spider-Man and Tobey Maguire are parting ways.

The New York Times

After parting ways with that contractor, they looked for another.

The New York Times

They barked at each other briefly and considered parting ways.

The New York Times

"At one point, I thought about parting ways with Angelica," Sharp said.

The New York Times - Sports

The two continued talking for several minutes before parting ways, civilly but without resolving their differences.

The New York Times

He and the Colts confirmed today that they would be parting ways after fourteen years.

The New Yorker

The e-mail came amid speculation that Mr. Mars and Publicis were parting ways.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to choose the most appropriate synonym; while "parting ways" works in many situations, other phrases might better capture the specific nuance of the separation.

Common error

Avoid using "parting ways" for minor disagreements or temporary separations. This phrase usually implies a more significant and permanent end to a relationship or collaboration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "parting ways" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a cessation of a relationship or collaboration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. The examples show its use in diverse contexts, from business partnerships to personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "parting ways" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the ending of a relationship or association. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for use in written English. The phrase is versatile and can be applied across various contexts, though it is most frequently encountered in News & Media. While the phrase maintains a relatively neutral tone, consideration of context remains crucial for selecting the most precise synonym. From the alternatives listed, "separating paths" and "going separate ways" exhibit high semantic similarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going separate ways

Similar to the original phrase, but emphasizes the individual journeys post-separation.

separating paths

Emphasizes the divergence of routes or directions, metaphorically suggesting different life choices or directions.

ending association

Focuses on the termination of a connection or relationship between entities.

severing connections

Highlights a more forceful or decisive ending of relationships.

dissolving ties

Highlights the breaking or weakening of bonds that previously held entities together.

discontinuing relations

Suggests a formal cessation of interactions or dealings.

terminating partnership

Specifically refers to the ending of a formal or business collaboration.

splitting up

Indicates a division or separation, often used for groups or partnerships.

breaking up

Commonly used in the context of romantic relationships ending, suggesting a split.

walking away

Focuses on the act of leaving a situation or relationship, often indicating resolution or resignation.

FAQs

How to use "parting ways" in a sentence?

You can use "parting ways" to describe the end of a relationship, agreement, or collaboration. For example: "After years of partnership, the companies decided to "parting ways"."

What can I say instead of "parting ways"?

You can use alternatives like "separating paths", "ending association", or "going separate ways" depending on the context.

Is "parting ways" formal or informal?

"Parting ways" sits in a relatively neutral register, suitable for both professional and general contexts. However, depending on the situation, more formal or informal alternatives might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "parting ways" and "splitting up"?

"Parting ways" is a more general and can be applied to professional and personal relationships, while "splitting up" often implies a romantic relationship ending or the division of a group.