tending to separate

USAGE SUMMARY

"tending to separate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has the potential to create a rift or divide. For example, "There are certain behaviors that are tending to separate the two sides of the political debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The floes are prevented from interpenetration by applying contact impulses tending to separate the bodies.

Cold Regions Science and Technology

The final alternative is that the extended curve meets the axis at some point ξ 0. When that occurs, the curve is either the trivial solution U ≡ 0 or else it crosses the axis in an angle ψ 0 ≠ 0 at a uniquely determined point ξ 0 and there will be a repelling force F = 1 σ F = 2 ( 1 − cos ψ 0 ) (1.9). in units of σ, tending to separate the plates.

Boundary Value Problems

The Li+ doped glass, and particularly the Na+ doped glass, were inhomogeneous with the borate and oxychloride components tending to separate on an intermediate length scale (∼5 Å).

Chemical Reviews

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

A PCA based on relative terpene composition tends to separate the four genotypes from each other on the first PC but this separation did not correlate with susceptibility.

BMC Plant Biology

Societies still tend to separate the mind and the body.

The New York Times - Science

But now, the programs tend to separate "mommy" from "me".

The New York Times

The plastic collar tends to separate from the infuser.

The New York Times

We tend to separate ourselves from such people.

The New York Times - Books

At that time, he said, freshmen tended to separate based on their backgrounds.

The New York Times

"When you stepped off the court," Woodforde said, "you tended to separate".

The New York Times - Sports

He tends to separate the two, as much as any president can.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tending to separate" to describe a force or influence that causes things to move apart or become distinct. It's particularly useful when discussing abstract concepts or trends.

Common error

Avoid using "tending to separate" when a simpler verb like "separate" or "divide" will suffice. This phrase is best suited for nuanced situations where a process or inclination towards separation is being emphasized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tending to separate" functions as a verb phrase, often acting as part of a predicate to describe a force, trend, or inclination leading towards division or distinction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tending to separate" is a grammatically sound and usable verb phrase that describes an ongoing process or inclination towards division. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is effective for describing forces causing entities to move apart, particularly in more formal contexts such as science and news. While less common than simpler alternatives, it offers a nuanced way to express the gradual nature of separation. It’s important to choose simpler words in more informal cases, as experts advise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

showing a trend of segregation

Indicates an observed pattern or direction towards becoming more separate or divided.

inclined to divide

This alternative highlights a predisposition towards division, emphasizing a natural inclination.

likely to detach

Indicates a high probability of becoming physically or emotionally disconnected.

liable to diverge

This phrase suggests a likely deviation or branching out from a common path or point.

predisposed to disunite

Highlights a prior condition or predisposition that makes separation more probable.

apt to disconnect

Focuses on the likelihood of a physical or conceptual separation, highlighting a potential break.

prone to split

Emphasizes a vulnerability or susceptibility to breaking apart into distinct entities.

disposed to segregate

This highlights a tendency towards forming separate groups or categories, emphasizing distinctness.

geared towards differentiation

Focuses on an inherent design or direction leading towards becoming distinct or different.

with a propensity to isolate

This alternative emphasizes a natural inclination toward becoming isolated or detached.

FAQs

How can I use "tending to separate" in a sentence?

Use "tending to separate" to describe an action or force that results in objects or ideas becoming distinct or moving apart. For instance, "Differing opinions were "tending to separate" the group into factions".

What are some alternatives to "tending to separate"?

Alternatives include "inclined to divide", "likely to detach", or "showing a trend of segregation", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is "tending to separate" formal or informal?

"Tending to separate" leans towards a more formal register, suitable for academic, scientific, or professional contexts. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

When is it best to use "tending to separate" over simpler terms like "separate"?

Use "tending to separate" when you want to emphasize the process or inclination towards separation, rather than a completed action. It suggests an ongoing or potential division, providing more nuance than a simple statement of separation.