separated them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "separated them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of causing two or more entities to be apart from each other. Example: "The fence separated them from the rest of the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only curtains separated them.

The Guardian

Mr. Sweeney and Mr. Kane separated them.

The New York Times

A few players intervened and separated them.

The New York Times - Sports

Helmeted policemen separated them from taunting bystanders.

The New York Times

Not much separated them the rest of the match.

The New York Times - Sports

Thabeet rushed at Blair before teammates separated them.

The New York Times - Sports

Under the traditional European model, strict boundaries separated them.

The New York Times - Style

A glass panel separated them from Jorge's casket.

The Guardian

Nearly $125 million separated them from 11 other bidders.

The New York Times

Teammates quickly separated them to prevent a fight.

The New York Times - Sports

He separated them with electric fences suspended from the ceiling and raised as the pack grew.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "separated them", ensure the context clearly indicates what caused the separation, whether it's a physical barrier, a disagreement, or a change in circumstances.

Common error

Avoid redundancy by ensuring the context doesn't already imply separation. Instead of saying "The wall separated them from each other", the simpler "The wall separated them" is often sufficient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "separated them" functions as a transitive verb phrase where "separated" is the verb indicating the action of dividing or setting apart, and "them" is the direct object, referring to the entities being separated. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "separated them" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as validated by Ludwig. It serves to describe the action of causing two or more entities to be apart, whether physically, emotionally, or ideologically. The phrase's versatility is evident in its presence across diverse sources, including news media, scientific publications, and academic texts. When writing, it's beneficial to ensure the context clearly indicates the cause and nature of the separation, avoiding redundancy while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divided them

This term is a more general synonym, implying a partitioning or distinction.

segregated them

This term suggests a more formal or systemic separation, often with social or political implications.

isolated them

This phrase emphasizes the act of setting entities apart, possibly into a solitary state.

distanced them

This term implies creating emotional or physical distance.

kept them apart

Focuses on maintaining a state of separation, often preventing interaction.

partitioned them

Indicates a structured division, often into distinct sections or groups.

decoupled them

Implies a disconnection of linked or related elements.

dissociated them

Suggests severing a connection or relationship between entities.

detached them

Focuses on physically or emotionally disconnecting or removing entities.

disunited them

Implies breaking a union or alliance that once existed.

FAQs

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

"Separated them" is used to describe the act of causing two or more entities to be apart. For example, "The fence "separated them" from the rest of the crowd."

What can I say instead of "separated them"?

You can use alternatives like "divided them", "isolated them", or "distanced them" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "separated them from each other"?

While grammatically correct, "separated them from each other" can sometimes be redundant. In many cases, ""separated them"" alone is sufficient to convey the intended meaning.

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

"Separated them" generally means to create a space or barrier between entities, while "isolated them" suggests a more complete removal from contact or influence. Isolation implies a greater degree of detachment.