separate one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "separate one another" is not correct in standard English usage.
It is typically used incorrectly as "one another" already implies separation among multiple entities. Example: "The two groups should separate from one another to avoid confusion during the event."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The zeros of two linearly independent solutions of (3.6) separate one another; that is, the two solutions have no common zeros, and if are two consecutive zeros of one of the solutions, then the interval contains exactly one zero of the other solution.

Advances in Difference Equations

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

% amino-MMT in the nanocomposite, the TEM micrograph changed to some extent: the nanofiller aggregates became smaller, and the amino-MMT stacks of about 5 to 10 nanolayers in thickness are distinctly seen and separated one another (Figure 3b).

Nanoscale Research Letters

Measurements of Control blood pressure: patients who were aware of this condition had two blood measurements separated one another more than 2 minutes.

BMC Geriatrics

It is delimited by the symbiosome membrane (SymM) and contains a limited number of bacteroides separated one another by the symbiosome space (SymS) [ 41] (usually two to four in determinate infected cells, only one in indeterminate infected cells [ 42– 42]).

BioMed Research International

Measurement of Diagnostic blood pressure: patients who were not previously diagnosed hypertension had two measurements separated one another more than 2 minutes, in three different days at least 7 days apart.

BMC Geriatrics

The Mumbai Island originally consisted of seven separate islands, separated from one another by swamps.

Applied Water Science

These exons are separated from one another on the cell's raw genetic material by intervening bits of unexpressed DNA.

Stanford University

The microcolonies of the two species appeared to be distinctly separated from one another on the glass surface.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials

The map shows six distinct dimers, all clearly separated from one another, sitting on the faces of a cube.

eLife

It is in our nature to name things, to put them in their places, to separate one from another.

The New York Times - Arts

But these anecdotal passages are separate from one another.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing entities moving apart, use "separate" followed by "from each other" instead of "separate one another" for better clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "separate one another" because "one another" already implies separation between multiple entities. Instead, use "separate from each other" or other alternatives for a more concise expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions to express the act of division or distinction between multiple entities. However, according to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically incorrect as "one another" inherently implies separation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "separate one another" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI advises that "one another" already implies separation, making the verb "separate" somewhat redundant. It's more appropriate to use "separate from each other" or "separate each other" (if only two entities are involved). While you might find this phrase in various sources, especially in Science, News & Media, and Academia, it's best to opt for the grammatically correct alternatives to ensure clarity and precision in your writing. Always aim for clear and concise language to effectively convey your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Separate each other

Focuses on the action of separating but is generally used for only two entities.

Distinguish one from another

Highlights the act of recognizing differences between entities.

Keep apart from each other

Emphasizes maintaining a distance or lack of interaction.

Divide among themselves

Indicates a split or distribution among multiple entities.

Detach from each other

Suggests a disconnection or unlinking of previously connected entities.

Isolate from each other

Implies a deliberate act of setting entities apart to prevent interaction.

Differentiate from each other

Stresses the identification of unique characteristics.

Segregate from one another

Involves a formal or imposed separation, often with social or political implications.

Decouple from each other

Highlights the process of becoming independent or disconnected.

Uncouple one from another

Highlights the process of undoing a union or connection.

FAQs

How can I properly use "separate" to describe multiple entities?

Use "separate from each other" or "separate each other" (only for two entities) instead of "separate one another". For example, "The islands are "separated from each other" by a channel."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "separate one another"?

Alternatives include "distinguish from each other", "keep apart from each other", or "differentiate from each other", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "separate one another"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is typically "separate from each other" or "separate each other" (if the context involves only two entities).

Why is "separate one another" considered incorrect?

The phrase is considered incorrect because "one another" already implies a relationship of separation among multiple entities, making "separate" redundant. The correct usage emphasizes the action of separation "from each other".