stay separate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'stay separate' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize the importance of keeping two or more things distinct or apart. For example, "In order to maintain their individual identities, the two companies decided to stay separate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"In most brains, they stay separate.

The New Yorker

"Our message is that it's a secular government and religion has to stay separate from that.

The Guardian

4. Use chopsticks to lower battered ingredients into hot oil so they stay separate.

The New York Times - Food

For the most part, though, the two contingents stay separate, in conversation.

The New York Times - Arts

Who will do due diligence on thousands of tiny projects to ensure that religion and government stay separate?

The New York Times

The names will stay separate, he said, because GreenPoint and North Fork are well-defined brands with different specialties.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

But Ms. Sanchez plans to stay separated.

The New York Times

It's easy to visit Machu Picchu via an air-conditioned bus and stay separated from the Quechuan communities just an hour away.

The New York Times

The micelles have negative charges over their surface which makes them repel each other and so they stay separated in the milk.

The Guardian

The logic for some, especially here in a contentious swing state like Florida, seems to be simple: Stand up and stay separated.

The New York Times

(2) The groups stay separated for a long time and their distance grows over the frames.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stay separate", ensure the context clearly indicates what entities are being kept apart and why. For example, "To prevent cross-contamination, the raw meat and vegetables should stay separate."

Common error

Avoid using "stay separate" in contexts where a more positive or collaborative tone is desired. It can sometimes imply division or isolation, so consider alternatives like "work independently" or "maintain distinct roles" if collaboration is still intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stay separate" functions primarily as a directive or descriptive expression, indicating the need or state of maintaining distinction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Examples show it applying to physical objects, concepts, and relationships.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

8%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stay separate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the importance of maintaining distinction or division between entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appropriate for various contexts. While commonly found in news, science, and wiki sources, its specific connotation can range from neutral to slightly formal. To avoid misinterpretations, consider the potential for negative implications like division and instead opt for more collaborative alternatives if appropriate. To avoid misuse, consider more collaborative alternatives that may work better depending on your intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain apart

Emphasizes a continued state of being physically or conceptually distant.

keep distinct

Focuses on actively maintaining a clear difference between items or ideas.

hold aloof

Suggests a deliberate and often emotional distancing.

stand apart

Highlights the uniqueness or exceptional quality that sets something or someone aside.

maintain independence

Implies preserving autonomy and freedom from external control.

operate independently

Focuses on functioning without external support or control.

exist separately

Highlights the distinct existence of entities.

function autonomously

Emphasizes the self-governing nature of an entity.

live independently

Focuses on the self-reliance in terms of living arrangements or lifestyle.

be detached

Implies a lack of emotional involvement or connection.

FAQs

How can I use "stay separate" in a sentence?

You can use "stay separate" to emphasize the importance of keeping things distinct. For instance, "It's crucial that personal and professional lives "stay separate" to avoid conflicts of interest."

What are some alternatives to "stay separate"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "remain apart", "keep distinct", or "maintain independence" instead of "stay separate".

Is it ever incorrect to use "stay separate"?

While grammatically correct, "stay separate" might not be appropriate in situations where you want to encourage collaboration or unity. In such cases, consider alternatives that emphasize working together.

What does it mean when someone says things should "stay separate"?

Generally, it means that the person believes certain entities or aspects should not be mixed or combined, often to preserve their individual integrity or avoid negative consequences. For instance, "They felt that experts' personal values should "stay separate from their policy advice"."