they separated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they separated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of two or more people or entities parting ways or ending a relationship. Example: "After years of being together, they separated and decided to pursue their own paths."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They separated and ran.

The New Yorker

Soon after, they separated.

The New York Times

They separated in 2004.

The New York Times

Finally, they separated.

The New York Times

"Eventually, they separated.

The Guardian

They separated in 1991.

The Guardian

At 8.30am they separated.

The Guardian

They separated themselves".

The Guardian - Film

Shortly afterward they separated.

The New York Times

Three months ago, they separated.

The New York Times

They separated completely in 1946.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they separated", consider the context. Is it a legal separation, an emotional parting, or a physical division? Choose synonyms like "they parted ways" or "they split up" for nuanced meanings.

Common error

While "they separated" is common, avoid overuse in formal writing. Instead, opt for precise terms like "divorced" (if legally applicable) or "dissolved their partnership" to convey greater clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they separated" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that a division or parting has occurred. It's a common way to express the end of a relationship or the division of a group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they separated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It generally describes the act of individuals or groups parting ways, most commonly in the context of relationships ending. While versatile and suitable for various situations, it's crucial to consider the specific context to ensure the most accurate and impactful word choice. In formal settings, more precise terms like "divorced" or "dissolved" might be preferable. Usage is primarily seen in news and media sources, reflecting its role in reporting events involving separation. When choosing alternative phrasings, be sure to maintain a neutral tone, and choose the alternative that expresses the proper intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they parted ways

Emphasizes a mutual and often amicable decision to go in different directions.

their relationship ended

A straightforward and neutral way to describe the end of a relationship.

they broke up

A more informal term, generally used to describe the end of a romantic relationship.

they split up

Similar to "they broke up", but can also apply to non-romantic relationships or groups.

they went their separate ways

Highlights the idea of each person following an individual path after the separation.

they divorced

Specifically refers to the legal dissolution of a marriage.

they became estranged

Suggests a more distant and possibly negative separation.

they ceased to be together

A formal way of stating that the relationship has ended.

they disbanded

Often used when a group or organization formally dissolves.

they concluded their partnership

Implies a formal or business-related separation.

FAQs

What does "they separated" mean?

The phrase "they separated" means that two or more people who were together, either in a relationship or as a group, have decided to go their own ways. It can refer to a formal legal separation, an informal parting of ways, or simply a physical division.

What are some alternatives to "they separated"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "they parted ways", "they split up", "they divorced" (if married), or "their relationship ended".

Is "they separated" formal or informal?

The phrase "they separated" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for legal or very formal situations, more precise terms such as "they divorced" or "they legally separated" might be more appropriate.

How do I use "they separated" in a sentence?

You can use "they separated" in a sentence to describe the ending of a relationship or the division of a group. For example: "After many years of marriage, they separated." or "During the escape, they separated and ran in different directions."