separating from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "separating from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express the idea of two distinct things becoming distinct from one another—for instance, 'He decided to separate from his partner of five years.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Depardieu is separating from France.

The Guardian - Film

Children stop one separating from the world.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fruit: narrowly ovoid, valves separating from top.

University of California, Berkeley

So was separating from her mentor a mutual decision?

The Guardian - Music

"Cheryl Cole is separating from her husband Ashley Cole.

The Guardian

Fruit: spheric to ovoid; chambers 3; valves separating from top.

University of California, Berkeley

"It can't just be separating from management but it has to be separating from ownership of Trump's businesses," Eisen said.

The New Yorker

Sergeant Lahl, meanwhile, is separating from the Air Force.

The New York Times

"I ended up having two kids, and separating from their father," she said.

The New York Times

Two solid rockets were deliberately destroyed after separating from the fireball left by the Challenger explosion.

The Guardian

He is on his second tour, his first since separating from his children's mother, Jesenia Oquendo.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "separating from", ensure clarity about what is being separated and from what. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "separating from" when a simpler word like "leaving" or "removing" is more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound stilted or overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "separating from" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates the action of becoming distinct or detached, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

26%

Huffington Post

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Vice

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "separating from" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote the action of becoming distinct or detached. As validated by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and its frequency is very common across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and encyclopedias. The phrase tends toward a neutral to professional register, conveying a deliberate act of division. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "detaching oneself from" or "disengaging from", tailored to the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using "separating from", clarity is crucial to avoid ambiguity and to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detaching oneself from

Emphasizes a personal action of disconnecting.

disengaging from

Highlights the act of withdrawing from an involvement.

breaking away from

Suggests a more forceful or decisive act of separation.

divorcing oneself from

Implies a formal or complete severing of ties.

distancing oneself from

Focuses on creating emotional or physical space.

withdrawing from

Indicates a retreat or removal from a situation.

isolating oneself from

Suggests a deliberate act of creating distance and solitude.

disconnecting from

Highlights the act of breaking a connection or link.

severing ties with

Implies a complete and often formal ending of a relationship.

parting ways with

Focuses on the act of ending a journey or relationship.

FAQs

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

Use "separating from" to indicate the act of becoming physically or emotionally distinct. For example, "The company is "separating from" its subsidiary" or "She is "separating from" her husband".

What are some alternatives to "separating from"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "detaching from", "disengaging from", or "breaking away from".

Is there a difference between "separating from" and "separate from"?

"Separating from" is a continuous verb form indicating an ongoing process, while "separate from" is a more general statement of being distinct. For example, "They are "separating from" each other" implies a current action, whereas "They live "separate from" each other" indicates a state of being.

When is it appropriate to use "separating from" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when describing a deliberate act of division or detachment, especially in legal, business, or academic contexts. For instance, "The document details the terms of "separating from" the previous agreement".