they were separated

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "they were separated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about two people, objects, or groups that have been divided or have stopped being together. For example: "The couple had grown apart, so they were separated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now they were separated.

The New Yorker

They were separated.

The New Yorker

Instead, they were separated.

The Washington Post

Then they were separated again.

The New Yorker

That's when they were separated.

The Washington Post

Finally, they were separated by mechanical peeling.

Carbon

They were separated for three and half years.

Harvard University

Although they were separated years later, they never divorced.

The New York Times - Arts

I don't know why they were separated like that.

The New Yorker

They were separated by electrophoresis and identified by Western blotting.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

For almost a century, they were separated and wrongly attributed.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific synonyms like “divided”, “detached”, or “estranged” to convey nuances of the separation.

Common error

Avoid using "they were separated" without clearly establishing who "they" are in the preceding sentences. This prevents confusion and ensures clarity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were separated" functions as a passive construction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It indicates that a subject (they) underwent the action of being separated by an external force or circumstance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

13%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were separated" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe a state of division or detachment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability, and the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media. Be mindful to ensure the referent of "they" is clear and consider synonyms to add nuance. With a wide range of usages, "they were separated" remains a common and useful phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were divided

Focuses on the act of splitting into distinct groups or parts.

they were parted

Implies a more emotional or relational separation.

they were detached

Highlights a physical or emotional disconnection.

they were estranged

Suggests a loss of affection or familiarity over time.

they were isolated

Emphasizes being set apart and alone.

they were disconnected

Implies a break in communication or relationship.

they were segregated

Highlights a separation imposed by external forces, often discriminatory.

they were scattered

Suggests a dispersed separation, often unplanned.

they were divorced

Specifically refers to the legal dissolution of a marriage.

they were disbanded

Refers to the formal ending of a group or organization.

FAQs

How can I use "they were separated" in a sentence?

You can use "they were separated" to describe a situation where two or more entities have been divided or parted. For example, "After the argument, they were separated to cool down" or "Due to unforeseen circumstances, "they were isolated" from each other".

What are some alternatives to "they were separated"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "they were divided", "they were detached", or "they were parted depending on the nuance you wish to convey".

Is "they were separated" grammatically correct?

Yes, "they were separated" is grammatically correct. It uses the passive voice of the verb "separate" with the pronoun "they".

What's the difference between "they were separated" and "they separated"?

"They were separated" is in the passive voice, indicating that an external force or circumstance caused the separation. "They separated" is in the active voice, suggesting that they themselves initiated the separation. Depending on the context, "they were estranged" from one another after a long fight.