separated from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "separated from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a way of describing the state of two things being apart from each other. For example, "The two teams were separated from each other by a large fence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whitaker separated from his wife.

The New Yorker

Children separated from their mothers.

The New Yorker

Ms. Lively was separated from Ms. Moretz.

The New York Times

He separated from his wife in 2003.

The New York Times

I have been separated from my family.

The New York Times

He is separated from his wife.

The New Yorker

North Hempstead separated from Hempstead in 1784.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ability cannot be separated from effort.

The New Yorker

"We were only separated from the rebs.

The New York Times

(It separated from N.Y.U. that year).

The New York Times

His toes are separated from his nose".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For legal or formal contexts, specify the nature of separation. Instead of saying 'They are "separated from",' clarify 'They are legally "separated from" each other.'

Common error

Avoid using "separate from" when you mean ""separated from"." "Separate from" is a verb meaning to cause to divide or disunite, while ""separated from"" is the past participle used as an adjective, indicating a state of being apart.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "separated from" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that acts as an adjective, modifying a noun by describing its state of being divided or detached from something else. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "separated from" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase, functioning as an adjective to describe a state of being apart or disconnected. As Ludwig AI points out, it is widely used across varied contexts, from formal writing to general discourse, with a neutral register making it appropriate for diverse audiences. Related phrases include "detached from" and "isolated from". To use it correctly, remember that "separated from" describes a state, whereas "separate from" is a verb indicating the action of dividing. Its high frequency and clear utility make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detached from

Uses a different verb to convey the sense of being disconnected.

isolated from

Implies a more deliberate or forceful removal or distancing.

disconnected from

Focuses on a broken connection or link.

removed from

Suggests a physical or metaphorical relocation away from something.

apart from

A more general term indicating physical or conceptual distance.

divorced from

Indicates a more formal or legal separation, often used metaphorically.

segregated from

Implies a systematic or enforced separation based on specific criteria.

alienated from

Suggests emotional or social estrangement.

cut off from

Implies a sudden or complete severing of a connection.

independent of

Indicates a lack of reliance or connection.

FAQs

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

Use "separated from" to describe a state of being apart or disconnected. For example, "The island is "separated from" the mainland by a narrow strait."

What phrases can I use instead of "separated from"?

You can use alternatives like "detached from", "isolated from", or "disconnected from", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "separated from" or "separate from"?

"Separated from" is an adjective phrase describing a state, while "separate from" is a verb phrase indicating the act of dividing or becoming disunited. Use "separated from" when describing something that is already in a state of separation.

What's the difference between "separated from" and "apart from"?

"Separated from" often implies a previous connection or union that has been broken, while "apart from" simply indicates a state of being physically or conceptually distinct, without necessarily implying a prior connection.