to live separately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to live separately" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing arrangements where individuals reside in different locations, often in the context of relationships or living situations. Example: "After years of conflict, they decided to live separately to find peace and clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The "Preparedness for supported living" programme gives Ivana and her five friends the possibility to live separately from other children and youth from the Institution, in a small house with a bedroom, living room, kitchen and a bathroom, but still under the continuous supervision of Institution therapists, psychologists and other staff.

UNICEF

They received tax concessions but had to live separately.

The New York Times - Arts

That includes the Roma ethnic minority, who tend to live separately and resist integration.

The New York Times

"It's not that we deliberately choose to live separately – it is just what happens.

The Guardian

Many African-Americans are content to live separately so long as they have equal rights.

The Guardian - Opinion

Imagine being recently married, but forced to live separately from your partner.

The Guardian

When he married Rose, a white woman, four years earlier, he wanted them to live separately.

The New York Times - Books

They received tax concessions but had to live separately from Russians.

The New York Times - Arts

"What we also found is that there is a correspondence between this desire to live separately and sympathy for terrorism.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

In the video, to brothers live separately, one of them in La Havana, and the other in Miami, Florida.

Wikipedia

I told him that we should take time apart and live separately, to see if we could mend the rift and find a way forward together as we had intended, as a family.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when choosing this phrase; in some cases, more direct language like "to live apart" or "to maintain separate residences" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "to live separately" without providing context. It's better to specify the reason for the separation to prevent misinterpretations, such as confusing it with divorce or estrangement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to live separately" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a larger clause to describe an action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig show it describing choices, necessities, or desires related to housing arrangements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to live separately" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes individuals maintaining separate residences. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. Its primary function is to depict a specific living arrangement, often in the context of relationships or personal choices. While generally neutral in register, the surrounding context can influence its perceived formality. The phrase is commonly found in news articles, scientific publications, and general-interest websites. For alternatives, consider phrases like "to live apart" or "to maintain separate residences" for slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to reside apart

Uses a more formal verb, "reside", suggesting a deliberate choice of separate residences.

to maintain separate residences

Focuses on the act of maintaining different homes, emphasizing the practical aspect of separate living.

to have independent households

Highlights the creation and management of distinct domestic units.

to keep apart

Implies a more general separation, not necessarily limited to living arrangements.

to live independently

Emphasizes self-sufficiency and autonomy in living arrangements, broader than just physical separation.

to cohabitate separately

Highlights an oxymoron concept where people cohabitate in a common space but still maintaining separation.

to distance oneself

Focuses on emotional or social distance, which may or may not involve physical separation.

to disunite

Implies a breaking of union, a more severe separation than simply living apart.

to split up

Colloquial term suggesting the end of a relationship, often involving separate living arrangements.

to divorce

Refers specifically to the legal dissolution of a marriage, leading to separate lives.

FAQs

What does it mean "to live separately"?

The phrase "to live separately" refers to individuals residing in different locations, often due to relationship issues, work commitments, or personal preferences. It implies a physical separation in living arrangements.

When is it appropriate to say "to live separately"?

It's appropriate to use "to live separately" when discussing a situation where individuals who were once living together no longer share the same residence. This could be in the context of a trial separation, a permanent separation, or due to other circumstances.

What are some alternatives to "to live separately"?

You can use alternatives like "to live apart", "to maintain separate residences", or "to have separate living arrangements" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "to live separately" and "to get divorced"?

"To live separately" implies a physical separation, while "to get divorced" refers to the legal termination of a marriage. A couple may "to live separately" without being divorced, and divorce always entails separate living arrangements.