separate to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "separate to" is not commonly used in written English and may not be considered correct in most contexts.
It could be used in specific contexts where you are indicating a division or distinction between two entities, but it is generally better to use more standard phrases. Example: "We need to separate to different departments for this project."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

TFL advises keeping cards separate to prevent this happening.

The Guardian - Money

But I believe happiness is separate to your income.

The Guardian - Money

I never even thought of that because I kept my politics separate to my charitable donations and separate to my business".

The Guardian - Business

However much in the foreground depression feels, you are separate to it.

The Guardian - Books

"It's wanting to separate, to say, 'I'm not what you are,' " Ms. Laurino explained.

The New York Times

The current trust is separate to the executive board that runs the BBC day to day.

The Guardian - Opinion

The new Portuguese lines of inquiry are separate to those being chased by the Met.

The Guardian

If officials insist on being separate to gain notice, then do something novel.

The New York Times - Sports

Completely separate to those tastes, our foods also contain aromas that are sensed by our noses.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Our culture has evolved alongside but separate to the rest of the country.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Set up separate to-do lists for different contexts.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and grammatical precision, consider using "separate from" instead of "separate to". "Separate from" is more widely accepted and less likely to be misinterpreted.

Common error

Avoid using "separate to" when "separate from" is intended. While sometimes used, "separate to" can sound awkward or incorrect to many native English speakers. Always double-check your preposition choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "separate to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating a state of being distinct or disconnected. Despite its usage, Ludwig AI indicates it's not the most grammatically sound choice, often suggesting "separate from" as a better alternative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "separate to" is used to indicate distinction or disconnection, but it's less grammatically sound compared to "separate from". Ludwig AI's analysis shows that while it appears in various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, "separate from" is generally preferred for clarity and grammatical correctness. Although the phrase is very common, remember that in formal writing or academic contexts, opting for "separate from" ensures better communication. Always consider "distinct from" and "independent of" alternatives based on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

separate from

A more standard and grammatically accepted alternative.

distinct from

Emphasizes clear differences and lack of connection.

independent of

Highlights autonomy and lack of influence.

unrelated to

Focuses on the absence of a relationship or connection.

apart from

Indicates exclusion or being an exception.

disconnected from

Highlights a broken or missing link.

detached from

Suggests a disconnection or removal.

isolated from

Implies a state of being alone or cut off.

dissociated from

Suggests a deliberate separation or disavowal.

segregated from

Implies a formal or enforced separation.

FAQs

Is "separate to" grammatically correct?

While "separate to" appears in some contexts, it is generally less accepted than the more standard phrase "separate from". Using "separate from" will generally be clearer and more grammatically sound.

What does "separate to" mean?

The phrase "separate to" typically indicates that something is distinct or not connected to something else. However, it is often better to use "separate from" for clarity.

When should I use "separate from" instead of "separate to"?

In almost all cases, "separate from" is preferred over "separate to". It is clearer, more widely accepted, and grammatically standard. Use "separate from" unless you have a very specific reason to use the less common "separate to".

What are some alternatives to "separate to"?

Alternatives to "separate to" include "distinct from", "independent of", and, most commonly, "separate from". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.