slightly separated from

USAGE SUMMARY

"slightly separated from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not completely detached, but still has a small amount of distance or space between it and something else. Example: The two houses were slightly separated from each other by a small patch of green grass. In this sentence, "slightly separated from" is used to describe the distance between the two houses, indicating that they are not directly next to each other, but there is still a small amount of space between them.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

This muscular ring is slightly separated from the circular muscle of the duodenum by connective tissue.

Britannica

Because of the presence of the recording electrode, the magnet was rotated and slightly separated from the cortical surface.

Nature

THE BAR A full bar, slightly separated from the front dining room, with concise but well-chosen wine, beer and ale selections.

The New York Times

He scraped some paint away so that the face became blurred and slightly separated from the head, like a slipping mask.

The New York Times - Arts

THE BAR A full bar, slightly separated from the rear dining area, with a comprehensive Italian wine list and a smaller list of French, American, Australian, New Zealand and South American wines.

The New York Times

Planted with hardy vines that change colors with the season, the fences will act like a curtain wall, slightly separated from and cladding the building, creating a narrow gap where a microclimate of ferns, mosses and collected rainwater can evolve.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

This instrument enables the user to sight an object by correcting the parallax resulting from viewing simultaneously from two slightly separated points.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It's the kind of space," he added, that "you'd like to drop into to feel like you're slightly separate from the intense flow of Broadway".

The New York Times - Arts

A way to make space for these different but complementary approaches – empathetic non-judgment of the local culture, while remaining slightly separate from it – is what I describe as freedom within a framework.

Harvard Business Review

When I think of the woods, I'm thinking of somewhere like Alderley Edge – a place slightly separate from the metropolis but close enough that anyone might go for a ramble".

The Guardian

Up here, I seem to be living in a concrete (or wooden) version of that frame of mind – slightly separate from the world but with a view on it, nothing pressing down on me, a sense of unexpectedness all around.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly separated from" to describe physical arrangements or abstract concepts where a small degree of distinction or distance is important. This phrase works well when precision is needed but complete separation isn't accurate.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly separated from" when describing situations with significant distance or disconnection. For larger distances, use alternatives like "far from" or "distinct from" to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly separated from" functions as a descriptive element, specifically an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. As Ludwig points out, it denotes a state of being that is not completely connected, but also not entirely isolated. It characterizes the extent of the separation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly separated from" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that denotes a small degree of distance or distinction. Ludwig's analysis confirms its versatility across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic writing. It’s particularly useful for conveying nuanced spatial or conceptual relationships. While the phrase is generally safe to use, writers should take care to not overstate the actual degree of separation. Alternatives like "a little detached from" or "somewhat distanced from" can provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost detached from

Indicates a near separation, but not quite complete.

a little detached from

Implies a minimal degree of disconnection or distance.

nearly divided from

Suggests an impending or potential separation.

somewhat distanced from

Suggests a moderate level of detachment, either physically or emotionally.

marginally isolated from

Highlights a slight sense of being set apart or alone.

faintly removed from

Highlights a subtle or delicate separation.

barely distinct from

Emphasizes a minimal difference or differentiation.

minimally disconnected from

Focuses on the small degree of broken connection.

loosely connected to

Underlines a weak link rather than a strong division.

partially segmented from

Implies an incomplete division into segments.

FAQs

How to use "slightly separated from" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly separated from" to describe objects or ideas that are near each other but not touching or perfectly aligned. For example: "The table was slightly separated from the wall."

What can I say instead of "slightly separated from"?

You can use alternatives like "a little detached from", "somewhat distanced from", or "almost detached from" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "slightly separated from" or "slightly separate from"?

"Slightly separated from" implies a past action of separation, while "slightly separate from" suggests an inherent quality of being somewhat distinct. The correct choice depends on your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "slightly separated from" and "completely separated from"?

"Slightly separated from" indicates a small degree of distance or disconnection, while "completely separated from" implies a full and total division. The choice depends on the magnitude of the separation you want to convey.