sit separately

USAGE SUMMARY

'sit separately' is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you can use it in instruction-type sentences such as "Please have all the children sit separately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

They sit separately with men and women.

The New York Times

When they get to the races they sit separately.

The New Yorker

Now, the small versions of all the documents sit separately.

Independent

"At first we'd go to concerts and sit separately, and Simon went along with this extraordinary collusion with the norms of the church.

The Guardian

"The fact that men and women sit separately in the Israelite congregations might be a problem for us on gender-equality grounds," he told me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Rabbi Butman explained that for the 10 minutes the Torah was opened, as is the Orthodox custom, men and women had to sit separately.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Men and women sat separately, but the mehitza separating them was soon done away with.

Wikipedia

So they travelled together but sat separately.

The New Yorker

The two groups sat separately, each insisting the other group did not eat right.

The New York Times

They ended up flying towards a certain Slytherin's table – we always sat separately – and it escalated.

Independent

Asked about the day at the Miami Open when she sat separately from the players' box, Mauresmo said: "I do not want to go into details.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sit separately" when describing arrangements where individuals are intentionally or habitually seated apart, such as in religious settings or classrooms.

Common error

Avoid using "sit separately" when merely describing people who happen to be sitting alone. The phrase often implies a deliberate arrangement or social dynamic, not just a random occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sit separately" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action performed in a specific manner. Based on Ludwig's examples, it describes the act of being seated in a way that maintains distance or segregation from others. This can be due to cultural norms, personal preferences, or logistical arrangements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

21%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sit separately" is grammatically correct and usable in written English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's categorized as a simple phrase indicating an action. Though not extremely common, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts, describing situations where individuals are intentionally seated apart, often due to cultural, religious, or practical reasons. Ludwig's analysis reveals that while generally neutral, the phrase can become more formal in specific contexts, with the best practice being to use it when there's an intentional separation. Avoid using it for people that happens to be sitting alone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sit apart

Replaces 'separately' with 'apart', suggesting a small distance.

sit alone

Emphasizes the act of sitting without others nearby.

sit privately

Indicates a desire for seclusion while sitting.

be seated individually

Formal alternative emphasizing individual seating arrangements.

sit in isolation

Highlights a sense of detachment while sitting.

sit at a distance

Focuses on the physical separation between individuals.

sit divided

Suggests a formal or intentional separation while seated.

sit disjunctly

A more formal way of saying 'not together'.

sit in segregation

Suggests a more formal or regulated separation, often with negative connotations.

sit in different locations

A literal description of being seated in distinct places.

FAQs

How can I use "sit separately" in a sentence?

You can use "sit separately" to describe arrangements where individuals are intentionally or habitually seated apart. For example, "In Orthodox synagogues, men and women "sit separately"."

What are some alternatives to "sit separately"?

Alternatives include "sit apart", "sit alone", or "sit privately", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "sit separately"?

No, it is not. The phrase "sit separately" often implies a deliberate arrangement or social dynamic, not just a random occurrence. Avoid using it when merely describing people who happen to be sitting alone.

What's the difference between "sit separately" and "sit apart"?

"Sit separately" and "sit apart" are very similar. "Sit separately" can sometimes suggest a more formal or intentional separation, while "sit apart" might imply a smaller distance or less formal arrangement.