prolonged separation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prolonged separation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more parties are kept apart for an extended period of time, often in emotional or relational contexts. Example: "The prolonged separation due to the pandemic has taken a toll on their relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The "Dear John" letter is part of this tradition, traceable to the Second World War, when prolonged separation wreaked havoc between the front lines and the home front.

The New Yorker

Discussing his hopes for Christian unity, Pope Paul expressed "the deep sadness we feel at their (non-Catholic Christians) prolonged separation.

The New York Times

One student in the study likened prolonged separation from the Internet drug addiction, saying she was "itching like a crackhead" after not using the Internet for a bit.

TechCrunch

himself a rising politician with anti-government inclinations, and resulted in a prolonged separation.

The Guardian

After prolonged separation, he said, children often swing between being withdrawn and clingy.

The New York Times

His second divorce led to a prolonged separation from his daughter Susannah.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

In either case, the firm's workers anticipate prolonged separations and adjust their labor market decisions.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

Repeated prolonged separations that create marked discrepancies in individual family members' experiences or that cause the deployed member to miss important developmental milestones can create a gulf between the returning parent and the family that requires significant time and effort to bridge (Lester et al. 2011b; MacDonald et al. 1999).

Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review

Do not prolong separation, even though your child may very well seem inconsolable, throw a temper tantrum, and beg plaintively to come with you.

WikiHow

Except for spectral differences resulting from testing pups of different ages (e.g. Fig. 3D I), prolonged maternal separation did not cause overt changes in pup vocalizations throughout the separation time (Fig. 4D F).

Biology Open

Families regularly suffer prolonged detention, separation or otherwise loss of livelihood at the hands of our broken immigration system.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing emotional impact, pair "prolonged separation" with specific details about the affected parties and the consequences they face. For example, 'The prolonged separation impacted the children's emotional well-being, leading to increased anxiety and insecurity.'

Common error

Avoid using "prolonged separation" without clarifying the reason or circumstances behind it. Failing to provide context can lead to misinterpretations or a lack of understanding regarding the severity or implications of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prolonged separation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of being apart for an extended duration, as exemplified in Ludwig's examples concerning family relationships, military deployments, and psychological impacts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prolonged separation" is a common noun phrase used to describe the state of being apart for an extended duration. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge, with a neutral register. It is crucial to provide context when using this phrase to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "extended detachment" or "lengthy absence" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase often appears in discussions about the impact of separation on relationships, mental health, and legal implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extended detachment

Focuses more on the lack of emotional or physical connection during the separation.

lengthy absence

Emphasizes the duration of being away, suitable when the focus is on physical absence.

protracted estrangement

Highlights the breakdown of a relationship and the duration of the alienation.

long-term disconnection

Stresses the severing of ties over a considerable period.

sustained segregation

Implies a deliberate or enforced separation over a significant duration.

enduring division

Focuses on the lasting nature of the split or separation.

long-lasting hiatus

Suggests a temporary cessation or break that extends for a long time.

continuous severance

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the separation or disconnection.

extensive interval

Highlights the duration of the time period between two points or events.

permanent parting

Implies a final and irreversible separation.

FAQs

How does "prolonged separation" affect child development?

Research suggests that "prolonged separation" from parents can lead to emotional and psychological challenges in children, potentially affecting their attachment styles and overall well-being. Addressing these issues often requires professional support and intervention.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "prolonged separation"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "extended detachment", "lengthy absence", or "protracted estrangement" to convey similar meanings.

How can families cope with "prolonged separation" due to military deployment?

Coping strategies include maintaining regular communication through technology, establishing routines, seeking support from military family support groups, and focusing on individual and family resilience. Mental health resources are also crucial for managing the stress and emotional challenges associated with "prolonged separation".

What legal implications arise from "prolonged separation" in marriage?

In many jurisdictions, "prolonged separation" can be a factor in divorce proceedings, potentially influencing spousal support, property division, and child custody arrangements. Consulting with a family law attorney is essential to understand the specific legal ramifications in your area.