separate shapes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "separate shapes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing distinct forms or figures that are not connected or combined in any way. Example: "In the design, we need to ensure that the separate shapes are clearly defined to enhance visual clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Arts

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

His separate shapes are for the most part configured into flat rectangles that hug the wall the old-fashioned way.

The New York Times - Arts

They use progressively fewer colors, and most share one quality: they are composed of separate shapes and have a kinetic buzz that suggests movement.

The New York Times

For "East and Beyond," which depicts a radiant open space above a graceful mountainlike divide, she used a jigsaw to cut separate shapes, then printed the whole by a specially devised method to eliminate the white lines between them when put together.

The New York Times - Arts

The area (m) within these polygons will be calculated and used to define separate shapes based on the travel modes.

BMJ Open

Having a data set up in long format allows the inclusion of a covariate representing cause of death as a time-dependent effect in the model and thereby the possibility to account for separate shapes for the underlying component-specific baseline excess mortality functions.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Spaced around her, four dancers are in different kinds of slight blur, each a separate shape.

The New York Times - Arts

It had thickened, taken on a separate shape, transformed itself into something spiky and radiant.

The New Yorker

The first dancer to be fitted stripped off her clothes and slipped into one of the dresses, which floated around her body, retaining its own separate shape.

The New Yorker

We apply a separate shape-adaptive 2D DWT to the overlapped pixels.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

With traditional tools, it is not straightforward to separate shape and posture variations.

Computers & Graphics

Besides, many traditional matching methods only analyze the properties of a separate shape and the spatial relationships between different shapes are ignored.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract art or design, use "separate shapes" to clearly convey that the elements are distinct and not merged. For example, "The artwork features a series of separate shapes arranged in a non-overlapping pattern."

Common error

Avoid using "separate shapes" when simpler terms like "shapes" or "forms" can adequately describe the subject. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound redundant or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "separate shapes" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes distinct forms or figures that are not connected or combined. The examples show its role in art reviews, scientific reports, and general descriptions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "separate shapes" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe distinct and unconnected forms, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage is most common in news, media, and scientific contexts, with a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "distinct forms" or "individual shapes" exist, "separate shapes" provides a clear and precise way to convey the isolation of visual elements. Avoid overuse and ensure simpler terms don't suffice. As showcased in the examples, this phrase effectively communicates the intended meaning across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct forms

Emphasizes the clear differentiation between shapes.

individual shapes

Highlights the uniqueness and singularity of each shape.

discrete forms

Focuses on the unconnected and discontinuous nature of the shapes.

detached shapes

Stresses the lack of connection or attachment between the shapes.

isolated shapes

Indicates that the shapes are standing alone and apart from others.

unconnected shapes

Directly states that the shapes are not joined or linked.

segregated shapes

Suggests that the shapes have been deliberately separated.

independent shapes

Focuses on the self-governing and autonomous nature of each shape.

dissociated shapes

Implies a disconnection or separation in a more abstract or conceptual sense.

non-overlapping shapes

Specifically describes the shapes as not covering any of the same area.

FAQs

How can I use "separate shapes" in a sentence?

You can use "separate shapes" to describe designs, art, or data visualizations where distinct geometric forms are intentionally isolated. For example: "The infographic uses color-coded separate shapes to represent different data categories."

What are some alternatives to using "separate shapes"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "distinct forms", "individual shapes", or "discrete elements".

Is it correct to say 'separated shapes' instead of 'separate shapes'?

While "separated shapes" can be grammatically correct, it implies an action of separation has occurred. "Separate shapes" simply describes the state of being distinct and unconnected. Choose the phrase that best fits the context of your sentence.

What does 'separate shapes' mean in the context of art?

In art, "separate shapes" typically refers to distinct geometric or abstract forms that are intentionally arranged to stand apart from one another, creating visual interest through their isolation and contrast.