separation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "separation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that refers to the process of being divided into two or more groups. Example sentence: The parents are going through a difficult separation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He acknowledged that the no campaign needed to appeal to the heart as well as the head but argued the big question is what impact separation would have on family finances and whether Scottish people would be able to afford the NHS and pensions.

The Guardian

I suspect it doesn't mean anything particularly original to me: I simply think of it as the separation of church es) from the ambit of the state – which is why I consider it a desideratum.

The Guardian - Opinion

Parading the financial scars from the TSB separation serves a secondary purpose, though.

The Guardian - Business

Now fully 35% say they will reject their party's campaign against separation and will vote yes to independence.

The Guardian

The US and the EU share one characteristic: they are, in the jargon of political science, "mixed regimes", with a strong separation of powers and numerous checks and balances.

The Guardian - Opinion

As long as banks exist, separation of commercial and financial banks, avoiding banks that are "too big to fail".

The Guardian - Opinion

He constantly rants against Obama's promotion of "secularism", and says the idea of an "absolute" separation of church and state makes him want to throw up.

The Guardian - Opinion

The second was the separation of sex from procreation, thanks to cheap, reliable contraception.

The Guardian - Opinion

They have nothing to do with geriatric or aged care, simply wealth separation.

The Guardian - Opinion

He finally decided that rage was a better term, and that writing had been a way of diverting his rage about "being trapped in this body, my sexuality, class, my linguistic separation from my family".

The Guardian - Books

The site has been chosen to maintain separation from shipping lanes and to minimise impact on other sea users.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about complex social or political issues, use "separation" with specific qualifiers to clarify the type of division being discussed (e.g., "separation of powers", "racial separation").

Common error

Avoid using "separation" when "segregation" is more appropriate. "Segregation" specifically refers to the enforced separation of groups, often based on race or ethnicity, while "separation" is a more general term.

Linguistic Context

The word "separation" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the act, state, or condition of being separated. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, including legal agreements, physical divisions, and abstract concepts like the separation of powers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Opinion

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Lifestyle

3%

Arts

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "separation" is a versatile noun indicating the state or act of being divided or disconnected. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its frequent use across various contexts. As shown by Ludwig, "separation" appears most commonly in news and media, often discussing social, political, or legal divisions. Understanding its nuances and potential for confusion with terms like "segregation" can improve writing clarity and precision. Its register is generally neutral to formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

segregation

Emphasizes the act of keeping groups apart, often with negative connotations of discrimination.

detachment

Implies a lack of emotional involvement or physical connection.

disconnection

Highlights a break in communication or a severed link.

division

Focuses on the act of splitting something into parts or groups.

severance

Suggests a complete and formal ending of a relationship or connection.

disjunction

Highlights a lack of connection or consistency.

dissociation

Implies a mental or emotional disconnection from oneself or reality.

isolation

Focuses on being alone or separated from others.

estrangement

Suggests a loss of affection or closeness, often within a family.

parting

Emphasizes the act of leaving or saying goodbye.

FAQs

How do I use "separation" in a sentence?

Use "separation" to refer to the act of dividing or being divided. For example, "The parents are going through a difficult "separation"." Or, "The "separation" of church and state is a key principle of democracy."

What are some synonyms for "separation"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "separation" include "detachment", "division", "disconnection", "segregation", and "severance".

What's the difference between "separation" and "divorce"?

"Separation" can refer to any kind of division or detachment. "Divorce" specifically refers to the legal termination of a marriage.

Is it correct to use "separation" to describe physical distance?

Yes, "separation" can be used to describe physical distance. For instance, "The geographical "separation" between the two cities made travel difficult."