to detach

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to detach" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of separating or removing something from a larger whole. Example: "In order to fix the issue, you need to detach the faulty component from the device."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

To detach the harness and fall within.

The Guardian

But you got to detach yourself.

The New York Times

So she started to detach from reality.

The Guardian

When to detach the parental leash?

The New York Times

Anything to detach herself from the horror of reality.

The Guardian

You've got to detach yourself and be literally alone sometimes".

The New York Times - Arts

Yet I've always persevered, somehow able to detach myself.

The Guardian - Arts

I wanted to detach myself from the finished story.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It seems right, to detach myself from my principal language.

The New Yorker

I'm trained to detach when reviewing my work.

The Guardian

Ashley struggles to detach a Beyond Pink Barbie doll from its packaging.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to detach" in technical writing, specify the method of detachment if it's not obvious. For example, "Use a solvent to detach the adhesive."

Common error

While "to detach" can describe emotional distancing, avoid overuse, as it can sound clinical. Consider alternatives like "to distance oneself" or "to emotionally separate" for a more nuanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to detach" primarily functions as a verb phrase, expressing the action of separating or removing something from a larger entity. Ludwig examples show it used to describe physical separation ("to detach the harness") and emotional distancing ("to detach yourself from the emotion").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to detach" is a versatile expression that signifies the act of separating or removing something, whether physically or emotionally. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and very common across various domains. Its usage spans from technical instructions to descriptions of emotional distancing, commonly appearing in news and media, scientific literature, and wiki-style guides. While generally neutral in tone, the level of formality can shift based on the context. When writing, be mindful of the subtle nuances of "to detach", and use it to add precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to disconnect

Focuses on breaking a connection, often in a technical or electronic context.

to separate

Emphasizes the act of keeping things apart or dividing them.

to remove

Highlights the action of taking something away from a surface or place.

to disengage

Suggests releasing from an engagement or involvement.

to unfasten

Specifically refers to undoing a fastening, like a button or clasp.

to unlink

Implies breaking a link or association between things.

to sever

Denotes a forceful cutting or breaking off.

to isolate

Emphasizes setting something apart from others, often for study or protection.

to extract

Highlights the process of carefully taking something out of something else.

to uncouple

Specifically refers to separating coupled or joined items.

FAQs

How can I use "to detach" in a sentence?

You can use "to detach" to describe the act of separating something from something else, such as "It's important to "detach the cable" before moving the device".

What are some alternatives to "to detach"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "to detach" include "to separate", "to disconnect", or "to remove".

Which is correct, "to detach" or "detach"?

"To detach" is the infinitive form of the verb, generally used after auxiliary verbs or to express purpose. "Detach" is the base form of the verb, used in present tense. For example, "I need "to detach" the sensor" versus "I detach the sensor every week".

When is it appropriate to use "to detach" in technical writing?

"To detach" is appropriate in technical writing when describing the physical separation of components or elements. For example, "Follow these steps "to detach" the hard drive from the motherboard".