to be separate from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be separate from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the distinction or independence of one thing from another. Example: "It is important for the organization to be separate from political influences to maintain its integrity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We also wanted to be separate from the main event.

The Guardian

Affirmative action is perceived to be separate from the business.

Harvard Business Review

#42: But allows for video game regulatory responsibility to be separate from video works.

The Guardian

He was set to stake his claim to be separate from the two other big parties.

The Guardian

We did not consider ourselves to be separate from those who stayed in the FSB.

The Economist

Thus, especially in academic studies, "criticism" is often considered to be separate from "scholarship".

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is not just that the mind is understood to be separate from the body, or even that the body (in much the same way) is understood to be separate from its environment.

University of Pennsylvania

They called it a historic sidestep of Turkey's secular principles, in which religion is meant to be separate from politics.

The New York Times

"The point is for the arts not to be separate from the community but to be a part of it".

The New York Times

This would appear to be separate from the series of short films – recently expanded from nine to 12 – that Miyazaki has been making for the museum since 2005.

The Guardian - Film

University hall fees cushion first-year students, but student budgeting needs to be much sharper when renting privately, as these items tend to be separate from the rent.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be separate from" when you want to emphasize a clear distinction or lack of connection between two or more entities. For example, in scientific writing, you might say, "The experimental group needs to be separate from the control group."

Common error

Avoid using "to be separate from" in excessively passive constructions, which can make your writing sound vague and less direct. Instead of "The decision was to be separate from the influence of the board", try "The decision was made to ensure separation from the board's influence."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be separate from" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating a state of distinction, differentiation, or independence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be separate from" is a versatile and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to denote distinction or independence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness. It is most commonly found in news and media, academic writing and scientific reports to indicate that one thing is not connected or influenced by another. While there are many alternative phrases, such as "to be distinct from" or "to be independent of", the best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using "to be separate from", avoid overusing passive voice to maintain a clear and direct writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be distinct from

Emphasizes a clear difference in nature or character.

to be independent of

Highlights the lack of reliance or influence.

to be isolated from

Stresses physical or metaphorical detachment.

to be detached from

Suggests a lack of emotional connection or involvement.

to be divorced from

Implies a complete separation, often in a negative context.

to stand apart from

Indicates a unique or exceptional position relative to others.

to differ from

Points out specific ways in which something is not the same.

to be unconnected to

Highlights the absence of a link or association.

to be removed from

Suggests a deliberate act of distancing.

to be discrete from

Emphasizes the individuality and non-overlapping nature of entities.

FAQs

How can I use "to be separate from" in a sentence?

You can use "to be separate from" to indicate a distinction or lack of connection between two or more things. For example, "It's important for personal finances to be separate from business finances."

What's a good alternative to "to be separate from"?

Alternatives include "to be distinct from", "to be independent of", or "to be isolated from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "to be separate from" or "to be independent from"?

Both "to be separate from" and "to be independent from" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Separate" emphasizes distinction, while "independent" emphasizes a lack of reliance or control. Choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "to be separate from" and "to be detached from"?

"To be separate from" implies a physical or conceptual division, while "to be detached from" often suggests an emotional or personal distance. The choice depends on whether you are emphasizing a division or a lack of emotional connection.