separate them from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "separate them from" is correct and usable in written English.
It could be used in a sentence to indicate a separation of two or more entities, such as: We need to separate them from the rest of the group.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Four points separate them from ninth-place Buffalo.

The New York Times

Birds have a number of anatomic and physiologic parameters that separate them from mammalian species.

Manual of Exotic Pet Practice

How do we separate them from wider historical, economic, and environmental conditions?

Harvard University

Five points separate them from three teams tied at 73 points: Phoenix, Chicago and Columbus.

The New York Times

People travelling on foot require barriers and bollards to separate them from other road users.

The Guardian

At least forty feet of tiled floor separate them from the back door.

The New Yorker

Not exactly always, but only 21 months separate them from birth.

The New York Times - Sports

But, she noted, she tried to separate them from her own personal faith.

The New York Times

To separate them from Russia was always going to be inflammatory.

Independent

Safer road designs in these countries slow motor vehicles and separate them from pedestrians and cyclists.

The New York Times

They try to break down the social and bureaucratic barriers that separate them from their followers.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "separate them from", ensure that the context clearly defines both the group being separated and the entity they are being separated from for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "separate them from" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your language by using synonyms like "distinguish", "isolate", or "differentiate" to maintain reader engagement and avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "separate them from" is to act as a prepositional phrase. This phrase typically modifies a verb, indicating the action of distinguishing or isolating a group or item from another. Examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "separate them from" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase for expressing the act of distinguishing or isolating entities. As validated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and applicable across numerous contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While synonyms like "differentiate" and "distinguish" exist, choosing "separate them from" depends on the specific shade of meaning desired. Remembering to avoid overuse and clarify the context will ensure its effective use in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differentiate them from

Focuses on identifying distinct characteristics to distinguish between them.

distinguish them from

Emphasizes the ability to recognize differences between them.

segregate them from

Implies a physical or social separation.

isolate them from

Highlights the act of setting them apart or keeping them alone.

set them apart from

Stresses the unique qualities that make them different.

detach them from

Suggests severing a connection or association.

disassociate them from

Indicates a formal or deliberate separation in terms of association.

divorce them from

Implies a complete and often legal separation.

extract them from

Suggests removing them from a mixture or context.

wean them from

Implies a gradual separation, often from a habit or dependency.

FAQs

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

You can use "separate them from" to indicate the act of distinguishing or isolating one thing from another. For example, "We need to separate the recyclable materials from the trash."

What are some alternatives to "separate them from"?

Alternatives include "differentiate them from", "distinguish them from", or "isolate them from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate: "separate them from" or "segregate them from"?

"Separate them from" is generally more neutral, while "segregate them from" often implies a more formal or even discriminatory separation. Choose the term that best fits the context and intended meaning.

What's the difference between "separate them from" and "detach them from"?

"Separate them from" implies a general act of making distinct or apart, whereas "detach them from" suggests physically disconnecting or severing a link. The best choice depends on whether the separation is physical or conceptual.