they parted ways

USAGE SUMMARY

"they parted ways" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when two people, groups, or entities decide to no longer interact or associate with each other. Example: After years of disagreement, the two companies finally parted ways.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That night, they parted ways.

The New Yorker

The next day, they parted ways.

The New Yorker

They parted ways in the 1990s.

The New York Times

They parted ways in the gathering sleet.

The New Yorker

"They parted ways," Ms. Horowitz said.

The New York Times

It took 3 months, and afterward they parted ways permanently.

The New York Times

But they parted ways over who should have final say.

The New York Times

But they parted ways on what lies ahead.

The New York Times

The two sides said they parted ways amicably.

The New York Times

Their relationship, as America now knows, turned testy before they parted ways.

The New York Times

"But Monteverde said no and hailed a taxi for Marchuk, at which point they parted ways.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they parted ways" to neutrally describe the end of a relationship, agreement, or association, without necessarily implying conflict or blame.

Common error

Avoid using "they parted ways" to describe a temporary separation. This phrase typically implies a permanent end to the association.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they parted ways" functions as a statement indicating the termination of a relationship or association between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they parted ways" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the end of a relationship, partnership, or association. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and appropriate in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, as evidenced by the numerous examples from publications like The New York Times and The Guardian, the phrase maintains a neutral tone, suitable for reporting factual separations without implying bias or judgment. While alternatives such as "they separated" or "they split up" exist, "they parted ways" provides a balanced and widely accepted way to communicate the dissolution of a bond.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they separated

This suggests a general separation without necessarily implying animosity or disagreement.

they split up

A more informal way of saying they ended a relationship or partnership.

they went their separate ways

Emphasizes the divergence of paths after the separation.

their association ended

A formal way to describe the termination of a professional or organized relationship.

they dissolved their partnership

Specifically refers to the ending of a business or formal agreement.

they broke up

Typically used for romantic relationships ending.

they ceased collaboration

Implies the end of a cooperative effort or project.

they severed ties

Suggests a more forceful or decisive ending of a connection.

they reached a parting of ways

Highlights the decision or moment when they chose to separate.

they disunited

Formal and less common, suggesting a loss of unity or cohesion.

FAQs

How can I use "they parted ways" in a sentence?

You can use "they parted ways" to indicate that two or more parties have ended their relationship or association. For example, "After several years of collaboration, "they parted ways" due to creative differences."

What's a more formal alternative to "they parted ways"?

A more formal alternative could be "their association ended" or "they dissolved their partnership", depending on the context. These phrases are suitable for professional or official communications.

Is "they parted ways" only used for romantic relationships?

No, "they parted ways" can be used for any type of relationship or association, including business partnerships, friendships, or working relationships. It simply indicates a separation or end of a connection.

What is the difference between "they split up" and "they parted ways"?

"They split up" is generally more informal and often used to describe the end of romantic relationships. "They parted ways" is a more neutral phrase that can apply to various kinds of relationships ending.