really separate from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really separate from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a significant distinction or disconnection between two subjects or concepts. Example: "Her feelings for him were really separate from her professional obligations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It was never swing related, all focus related, and I just got frustrated with it and found it very hard to really separate from the bad shots.

The Guardian - Sport

But that issue is really separate from the larger one of how a vanilla suburb, to use the funk musician George Clinton's famous phrase, adapts to being part of the American swirl.

The New York Times

W. Houston Dougharty, vice president for student affairs at Grinnell, has been reminding incoming freshmen in recent years that theirs is the first generation heading off to college that will never really separate from family and high school friends -- largely because of "electronic tethers" like Facebook, texting and Twitter.

The New York Times

While not being themselves Forms, perceptible things are not really separate from the intelligible Forms on which they depend.

SEP

Dahlgren and Whitehead (1991) argue that the inequality must also be unfair, while Anand and Peter (2000) object that unfairness entails avoidability and so is not really separate from it.

SEP

Because they're able to really separate from what's yours and what's mine.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"Plus, the setbacks provide a sense of privacy for residents, because you're really separated from the street when you do that".

The New York Times

"One of the really sad things about the development of mathematics over the last century is that statistics and applied mathematics have really separated from each other," explains Stark.

Science Magazine

A few months earlier, the FCC had ruled that Paramount controlled DuMont, and there were still some questions about whether UPT had really separated from Paramount.

Wikipedia

Often, tension builds in couples when one partner hasn't really separated from their parents or siblings when in a relationship.

Huffington Post

Can you really separate volume from perspective?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really separate from" to clearly emphasize a significant distinction between two subjects, ensuring the context warrants such emphasis. For example, "The artistic merit of the film is really separate from its commercial success."

Common error

Avoid using "really" excessively, as it can weaken your writing. Consider alternatives like "truly", "genuinely", or restructuring the sentence to convey the separation more directly. For example, instead of "The two issues are really separate from each other", try "The two issues are distinctly unrelated."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really separate from" functions as a modifier, emphasizing the degree to which something is disconnected or distinct. As Ludwig highlights, this expression is grammatically correct and usable. The inclusion of "really" amplifies the separation, indicating a notable distinction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "really separate from" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a clear distinction or disconnection, as affirmed by Ludwig. Although its frequency is uncommon, it appears across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. As shown by Ludwig, it's crucial to consider the context and choose alternative phrasing if a more formal or nuanced expression is required. While effective for adding emphasis, avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

truly distinct from

Emphasizes genuineness and clarity of the separation.

genuinely apart from

Highlights an authentic state of being detached.

completely detached from

Stresses total disconnection.

clearly differentiated from

Focuses on the identifiable differences between two things.

markedly different from

Highlights a noticeable distinction.

distinctly unrelated to

Indicates no connection or association.

entirely independent of

Focuses on the self-governing nature and lack of reliance.

significantly isolated from

Stresses the state of being cut off or set apart.

fundamentally disconnected from

Emphasizes the basic lack of connection.

categorically distinct from

Highlights a clear and absolute distinction.

FAQs

How can I use "really separate from" in a sentence?

Use "really separate from" to emphasize a clear distinction or disconnection between two subjects. For instance, "Her personal life is "truly distinct from" her public persona."

What's a more formal way to say "really separate from"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "entirely independent of" or "categorically distinct from" to convey a similar meaning with greater precision.

Is "really separate from" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "really separate from" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "clearly differentiated from".

What is the difference between "really separate from" and "distinctly unrelated to"?

"Really separate from" emphasizes the act of separation or distinction, while "distinctly unrelated to" focuses on the lack of connection or relationship between two things. The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.