separate us

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "separate us" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of creating distance or division between people or groups. Example: "The misunderstandings and lack of communication began to separate us over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Hussain, 21, was killed by a separate US airstrike.

The Guardian

Words like "ethnic minority" only "separate us", she said.

The Guardian - Film

A third Briton, Junaid Hussain, 21, was killed by a separate US airstrike, he confirmed.

The Guardian

It is he who will uphold the boundaries that separate "us" from "them".

Huffington Post

This pattern of results was also present in the separate US and the Hungarian samples.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

You can't separate us".

The New York Times - Sports

"Only death can separate us".

The New Yorker

You're not going to separate us.

The New York Times

The laws conspire to separate us.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

There will also be a separate US-led force dealing with the remnants of al-Qaeda.

BBC

A separate US-led force will assist Afghan troops in some operations against the Taliban.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "separate us" when emphasizing the act of creating distance, whether physical, emotional, or ideological. It's a versatile phrase applicable in various contexts.

Common error

While acceptable in general writing, avoid using "separate us" excessively in highly formal or academic papers. Opt for more precise synonyms like "differentiate us" or "distinguish us" to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "separate us" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "separate" is a transitive verb and "us" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It describes the action of causing division or distance between individuals or groups.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "separate us" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that conveys the idea of creating division or distance. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English. Its frequency is classified as common, and it appears predominantly in news and media sources. While versatile, writers should consider more precise synonyms in formal contexts to enhance clarity. When choosing an alternative consider "divide us" or "alienate us". Avoiding overuse in highly formal writing is advised.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divide us

Implies a split or disunion, similar to creating a distinction or barrier.

alienate us

Suggests causing estrangement or distance in feeling or affection.

estrange us

Highlights the disruption of a close relationship, making individuals feel like strangers.

detach us

Indicates a physical or emotional disconnection from a group or idea.

segregate us

Refers to the enforced separation of groups, often based on discriminatory factors.

isolate us

Emphasizes the state of being alone or apart from others, either physically or emotionally.

distance us

Highlights the act of creating or maintaining a gap, either literal or figurative, between individuals.

set us apart

Focuses on what makes a group distinct or different from others.

disunite us

Implies breaking a previously unified group.

partition us

Emphasizes a formal or official division, often involving physical boundaries.

FAQs

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

You can use "separate us" to describe something that causes division or distance between people or things. For example, "Misunderstandings can "separate us" from our friends" or "Different opinions shouldn't "separate us"".

What are some alternatives to "separate us"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "divide us", "alienate us", or "distance us". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "separate between us" instead of "separate us"?

No, the correct phrase is "separate us". The verb "separate" directly takes an object. Using "between" is redundant and grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "separate us" and "set us apart"?

"Separate us" implies division or distance, while "set us apart" emphasizes distinctiveness or uniqueness. For example, "Political views "separate us"" suggests disagreement, whereas "Our unique skills "set us apart"" highlights our special qualities.