separated out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "separated out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the process of separating items from a larger grouping. For example, "The librarian separated out the reference books from the regular collection for her special project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is separated out by pressing.

The Economist

"They need to be separated out".

The New York Times

"We have separated out the mental and physical," he said.

The Guardian

The sludge is then separated out in a settling tank.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The cells can be removed with the patch, separated out, and studied to inform vaccine design.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

For visual reasons, I separated out the regeneration and swimming zones.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The people who are against peace will be separated out," he said.

The New York Times

Once separated out, the oil would ideally be recycled and used as biofuel, Seers said.

The Guardian - Business

Then it is separated out by length, and dyed, curled or sewn into wigs.

The New York Times

By contrast, military-related debt can and should be separated out and perhaps even forgiven.

The New York Times

She crushed rock found in glacial debris and separated out these components.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "separated out" when you want to emphasize the act of making something distinct from a larger group. For clarity, specify the criteria used for the separation.

Common error

While "separated out" is common, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "segregated" or "extracted" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "separated out" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of distinguishing or removing something from a larger group. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

43%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "separated out" is a versatile term used to describe the process of distinguishing or extracting elements from a larger group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and academic writing. While its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse audiences, writers should be mindful of overuse in highly formal settings. By understanding its function, communicative purpose, and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively employ "separated out" to enhance clarity and precision in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

singled out

Highlights selecting one specific item from a group.

isolated

Focuses on individual extraction, emphasizing uniqueness.

extracted

Suggests removing something from a mixture or compound.

filtered out

Suggests removing unwanted elements using a selective process.

segregated

Implies a formal or systematic division, often with a sense of order.

sorted

Implies arranging items into categories before separating them.

sifted out

Implies careful examination and selection during separation.

differentiated

Highlights the recognition of differences between items before separating.

weeded out

Suggests removing undesirable elements from a group.

carved out

Conveys creating something distinct through forceful separation.

FAQs

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

You can use "separated out" to describe the process of distinguishing elements from a larger group, such as "The librarian separated out the reference books for a special project."

What can I say instead of "separated out"?

You can use alternatives like "isolated", "segregated", or "extracted" depending on the context.

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

"Separate out" is the infinitive form, while "separated out" is the past tense and past participle. The correct form depends on the tense of your sentence.

What's the difference between "separated out" and "sorted out"?

"Separated out" implies a physical or conceptual division, while "sorted out" often suggests resolving a problem or organizing items.