stayed apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stayed apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more entities have remained separate or distanced from each other over a period of time. Example: "During the pandemic, many families stayed apart to ensure everyone's safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The three stayed apart.

The New York Times

More often they stayed apart.

The New York Times - Arts

It would be better if they stayed apart completely.

The New York Times

At Lord's they have stayed, apart from the odd excursion, ever since.

Independent

"The church stayed apart from the conflict, seeking to receive all, as we continue doing today," he said.

The Guardian

But he stayed apart from the other interns, often eating alone at his desk and not showing up for the regular afternoon teas.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Let's come together, not stay apart.

Independent

But you can't make styles stay apart.

The Guardian - Music

For this truce to work, we have to stay apart".

The Guardian

I prayed for the two fronts to stay apart.

The New York Times - Sports

THEY couldn't stay together, but they couldn't stay apart.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stayed apart", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who is being separated and the reason for their separation. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "stayed apart" when "stayed away" is more appropriate. "Stayed apart" implies a deliberate separation, while "stayed away" suggests avoidance of something specific.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stayed apart" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate to describe a state of separation or distance maintained over a period of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. Examples show it describing physical and emotional distance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stayed apart" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of maintaining separation or distance, whether physical or emotional. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is applicable in various contexts. While relatively uncommon, "stayed apart" frequently appears in news and media sources, conveying a neutral tone. Alternative phrases such as "remained separate" or "kept their distance" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using "stayed apart", ensure that the context clearly explains what or who remained separated and the reasons behind it to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained separate

Replaces "stayed" with "remained", emphasizing the continuation of separation.

kept their distance

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the idea of maintaining physical or emotional separation.

distanced themselves

Similar to 'kept their distance' but can also imply emotional or ideological divergence.

maintained separation

Highlights the act of actively maintaining a state of being apart.

remained aloof

Suggests a more emotional or social distance, implying detachment.

were separated

Focuses on the state of being apart, often used when a previous connection existed.

isolated themselves

Focuses on the action of individuals intentionally separating themselves from others.

avoided contact

Emphasizes the active avoidance of interaction or physical proximity.

were not together

Simple alternative emphasizing the absence of togetherness.

segregated themselves

Implies a more formal or structural separation, often with social or political implications.

FAQs

How can I use "stayed apart" in a sentence?

You can use "stayed apart" to describe physical separation, such as "During the renovation, the family "stayed apart" to avoid the dust and noise". It can also describe emotional distance, like "After the argument, they "stayed apart" for a few days to cool off".

What are some alternatives to "stayed apart"?

Alternatives to "stayed apart" include "remained separate", "kept their distance", or "maintained separation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "stay apart" instead of "stayed apart"?

Yes, both are correct, but they have different tenses. "Stay apart" is present tense or imperative, while "stayed apart" is past tense. For example, "They decided to stay apart" (past) versus "They should stay apart" (present/recommendation).

What's the difference between "stayed apart" and "separated"?

"Stayed apart" implies a continuous state of being separate, whereas "separated" suggests an action that caused the separation. "They "stayed apart" during the conflict" implies they were already separate and continued to be. "They separated after the conflict" means they became separated because of it.