separated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "separated by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase "separated by" to indicate the division or distinction between two objects, ideas, or things. For example, you could say, "The two cities are separated by a mountain range."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ranges are separated by deep ravines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Items are separated by commas.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Others occupy classrooms separated by plastic sheets.

The Guardian

Canada comprises cities separated by vast distances.

The Guardian - Opinion

I mean, they're separated by two people.

The New Yorker

Lost in paragraphs separated by double spacing.

The Guardian - Books

"We were separated by the war.

The Guardian

But we're only separated by a decade.

The New York Times

We were separated by a crevasse.

The New York Times - Health

They are separated by just 26 points.

The New York Times - Sports

Separated by about 800 years, in fact.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "separated by", ensure clarity about what is being separated and the nature of the separation, whether physical, conceptual, or temporal.

Common error

Avoid using "separated by" without specifying what is doing the separating. For example, instead of saying "the two events were separated", clarify with "the two events were separated by a week."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "separated by" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate how items or entities are divided or distinguished. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "separated by" is a grammatically correct and versatile prepositional phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's very common across various domains, including science, news, and academia, indicating a division or distinction between entities. When using "separated by", clarity is crucial; specify what is being separated and the nature of the separation. Avoid vagueness by including details about the separating factor. Remember to leverage the alternatives provided by Ludwig, such as "divided by" or "distinguished by", to add nuance to your writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "separated by" to enhance clarity and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divided by

Indicates a more active division or partition, often with a mathematical or quantitative sense.

distinguished by

Emphasizes the unique characteristics that set things apart rather than physical separation.

partitioned by

Suggests a more formal or structured division, like in data management or architecture.

isolated by

Highlights the state of being set apart or detached, often due to specific conditions or barriers.

demarcated by

Implies a clear and precise marking of boundaries or limits.

sectioned off by

Suggests that things are physically divided.

set apart by

Emphasizes unique qualities or distinctions that make something different from others.

spaced out by

Focuses on the physical distance or interval between objects.

disconnected by

Highlights a break in connection or continuity between elements.

detached by

Emphasizes a lack of connection or involvement, often in an emotional or abstract sense.

FAQs

How can I use "separated by" in a sentence?

Use "separated by" to indicate a division or distinction between two or more things. For example, "The rooms were "separated by a curtain"".

What are some alternatives to "separated by"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "divided by", "distinguished by", or "partitioned by" to replace "separated by".

Is it correct to say "separated with" instead of "separated by"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "separated" in this context is "by". "Separated with" is not grammatically standard.

What's the difference between "separated by" and "isolated by"?

"Separated by" generally indicates a division or space between things, while "isolated by" implies a more complete detachment or setting apart.