separate from

USAGE SUMMARY

"separate from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when you want to express a distinct difference between two entities, either physical or abstract. For example, "The two countries have remained separate from each other for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They're separate from me.

Independent

"Did you separate from your husband?" "Yes".

The New Yorker

Transport, for example, remains separate from railways.

The Economist

(The foundation is separate from GS Gives).

The New York Times

Kosher food is separate from the nonkosher.

The New York Times

The Sabbath is separate from the week.

The New York Times

They were so separate from her.

The New Yorker

Those things aren't separate from art.

The New York Times - Arts

They're totally separate from us".

The Guardian

It was separate from them.

The New York Times

They're not separate from each other".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "separate from", ensure that both entities being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The sales department is separate from the marketing team" provides clear context.

Common error

Avoid using "apart from" when you specifically mean a physical or distinct division. "Apart from" often implies 'besides' or 'except for', whereas "separate from" clearly indicates non-connection. For example, use "The two buildings are separate from each other" instead of "The two buildings are apart from each other" if you want to emphasize their physical division.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "separate from" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It connects a noun or pronoun to the rest of the sentence, indicating a state of division, distinction, or independence. As Ludwig AI explains, it expresses a clear difference between two entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

HuffPost

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "separate from" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate division, distinction, or independence between two entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As demonstrated by a high frequency of examples across diverse contexts like news, academia, and business, "separate from" is a common and reliable way to express a clear difference. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid confusion with similar phrases like "apart from". Alternatives such as "distinct from" or "independent of" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context. Remember to maintain consistency in your writing and tailor your language to suit your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct from

Emphasizes the clear and recognizable difference between two things.

independent of

Highlights the lack of influence or reliance of one thing on another.

unrelated to

Indicates absence of a relationship or connection.

isolated from

Stresses the physical or metaphorical separation and lack of interaction.

differentiated from

Focuses on the process of identifying differences.

detached from

Suggests a deliberate or emotional disconnection.

disassociated from

Highlights a conscious effort to break ties or avoid association.

divorced from

Implies a complete and often legal separation.

unconnected to

Indicates a lack of any link or association.

segregated from

Highlights a forced or structured separation, often with negative connotations.

FAQs

How to use "separate from" in a sentence?

Use "separate from" to indicate that two or more things are not connected or are kept physically apart. For example, "Ensure that recyclable materials are "separated from" general waste."

What can I say instead of "separate from"?

You can use alternatives like "distinct from", "independent of", or "unrelated to" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "separated from" instead of "separate from"?

"Separated from" is the past participle form and is correct when describing something that has already been divided or disconnected. "Separate from" is used to describe the state of being divided or the act of dividing.

What's the difference between "separate from" and "different from"?

"Separate from" emphasizes a lack of connection or division, while "different from" simply highlights that two things are not the same. Use "separate from" when physical or conceptual division is key, and "different from" when merely noting a dissimilarity.