separate it into

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "separate it into" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to divide or categorize something into distinct parts or sections. Example: "Please separate it into different categories based on the criteria provided."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Cryogenics is the field in which industrial equipment is used to cool air (to separate it into its elemental parts); fuels like hydrogen (for storage); foods (also for storage); and racing-car engines (in theory, to make the parts last longer).

The New York Times - Sports

In order to test if a plant is edible, you must separate it into the leaf, stem and root and test each part separately for edibility.

WikiHow

Through a process called electrolysis, an electric current is passed through water to separate it into hydrogen and oxygen.

The New York Times

"We separate it into flat and latex, screen it to take out the chunks, and blend it in 55-gallon drums," he said.

The New York Times

But Tony Greenham at the New Economics Foundation (Nef) would go further and separate it into a series of regional lenders, firmly rooted in their local area.

The Guardian - Business

In the original title, the three words were run together as WorldWideWeb, but Berners-Lee and Cailliau would soon separate it into World Wide Web (despite the fact that worldwide is best treated as a single word), underscoring the alliteration.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The droplets, which can be raindrops, a rising mist or spray from a waterfall, act as individual prisms, scattering the light and separating it into its constituent colors.

The New York Times - Science

Here is your jackpot – we've separated it into 750,000 cheques for £5 each.

The Guardian - Film

Unlike hostas and ornamental grasses, dividing Galanthus is as easy as digging up a clump and separating it into pieces with your fingers.

The New York Times

So the shipper carefully removed the antennas and the tiny screws that held the device together, separating it into two large half spheres.

The New York Times - Science

Other smaller faults exist within the reservoir, separating it into partially communicating compartments.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "separate it into", ensure the criteria for separation are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague or incomplete separation. Always specify all the categories or parts the item is being divided into. For example, instead of saying "Separate the tasks", specify "Separate the tasks into high, medium, and low priority".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "separate it into" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of dividing something into distinct parts or categories. Ludwig's examples show its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "separate it into" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of dividing a whole into distinct parts or categories. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science. It is important to specify the criteria for separation clearly. Alternatives include "divide it into", "split it into", and "categorize it into". Overall, "separate it into" is a reliable and widely understood way to describe the process of division and organization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divide it into

This alternative is a direct synonym, focusing on the act of dividing.

split it into

This is a synonym that emphasizes the act of breaking something into parts.

categorize it into

Focuses on organizing something into specific categories.

group it into

Highlights the act of forming groups based on shared characteristics.

classify it into

Implies a more formal or scientific method of categorization.

sort it into

Suggests organizing items based on specific criteria.

section it off into

Emphasizes creating distinct sections or areas.

compartmentalize it into

Suggests dividing something into separate and distinct compartments.

break it down into

Focuses on simplifying a complex item by dividing it into smaller parts.

arrange it into

Emphasizes organizing items in a specific order or manner.

FAQs

How can I use "separate it into" in a sentence?

You can use "separate it into" to describe dividing something into distinct parts or categories. For example: "Separate the laundry into whites and colors."

What are some alternatives to "separate it into"?

Alternatives include "divide it into", "split it into", or "categorize it into" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "separate it into" or "split it into"?

Both "separate it into" and "split it into" are generally interchangeable, but "separate" often implies a more organized or methodical division, while "split" can suggest a more abrupt division.

How does "separate it into" differ from "distinguish it from"?

"Separate it into" refers to dividing a whole into parts, whereas "distinguish it from" refers to identifying differences between two distinct entities. For example: "Separate the tasks into categories" versus "Distinguish this task from the others based on its complexity".