separately or together

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "separately or together" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are attempting to show the options someone has to choose from. For example, "Would you like to complete the task separately or together?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it hasn't made it easier for the parties to govern, separately or together.

The New Yorker

In what ways were these groups (either separately or together), discriminated against in the United States in the twentieth century?

The New York Times

There, Eiko and Koma will move separately or together in an event that will continue uninterrupted during regular museum hours.

The New York Times - Arts

In a triple-duty turn, the lining of khaki-green quilted nylon snaps out to let you wear the shell and lining separately or together.

The New York Times - Style

No injustices, separately or together, necessarily lead to totalitarianism and no mitigation of injustice, however defined, will eliminate its unwavering beliefs, absolutist control and unbounded ambitions.

The New York Times - Arts

Therefore, whether they are viewed separately or together, the OEM and IAP components of Microsoft's anticompetitive campaign merit a finding of liability under Section 2. iii.

The New York Times

The court will decide whether to hear one or both of the cases, and whether to hear them separately or together.

The New York Times

We all have to decide if the country in which we live is better off if we conduct our lives separately or together," writes Low.

The Guardian - Books

The two outer seats and the center one may be folded separately or together, providing a range of cargo-carrying options.

The New York Times

You have to ask yourself why you committed, who you've become as a result, and who you can be afterwards, either separately or together.

The Guardian

Ocean View House (comprising adjoining buildings called Ocean Dream and Ocean Breeze, which can be rented separately or together) is the closest one to the sea.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "separately or together" to clearly present mutually exclusive options in instructions or descriptions. For example, "The components can be installed "separately or together", depending on your needs."

Common error

Avoid using "separately or together" in overly complex sentences where the meaning becomes ambiguous. Break down the sentence for clarity instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "separately or together" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies verbs by indicating how an action can be performed: either in isolation or as a combined unit. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable English form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "separately or together" is a versatile conjunction phrase used to present options—either individual actions or a combined approach. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing, although clarity should be prioritized in complex sentences. The prevalence of the phrase in scientific and news media sources highlights its broad utility. When writing, make sure to provide clarity when presenting the options with "separately or together". Alternatives such as "individually or as a group" can provide a nuanced way of expressing the same idea, but "separately or together" offers a straightforward way of delivering both options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Independently or collectively

Stresses the aspect of autonomy versus a shared purpose.

Individually or as a group

Emphasizes the contrast between individual action and group effort.

Alone or in combination

Highlights the possibility of combining elements or actions.

Singly or jointly

A more formal alternative, suitable for legal or business contexts.

On their own or in collaboration

Focuses on the cooperative aspect of working together.

By themselves or as a team

Emphasizes the team dynamic in contrast to solo work.

In isolation or unified

Highlights the contrast between isolation and unity.

Distinctly or in unison

Focuses on actions happening in harmony or as unique events.

One by one or all at once

Highlights the timing and sequencing of actions.

Severally or as one

A legal or formal way of expressing individual versus collective responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "separately or together" in a sentence?

Use "separately or together" to indicate that actions or items can be considered or performed either individually or as a unit. For example, "The modules can be tested "separately or together"."

What is a good alternative to the phrase "separately or together"?

Alternatives include phrases like "individually or as a group", "independently or collectively", or "alone or in combination", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "separately and together" or "separately or together"?

"Separately or together" is used to indicate a choice between two options, while "separately and together" implies both actions are happening, which is less common and potentially contradictory. The first is generally preferred when presenting a decision.

When should I use "separately or together" in my writing?

Use "separately or together" when you want to provide options for how something can be used, analyzed, or performed. It clarifies that either individual action or combined action is acceptable or possible. For example, "The data sets can be analyzed "separately or together"."