to part ways

USAGE SUMMARY

"to part ways" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to ending a relationship or collaboration. Example: "After years of working together, they decided to part ways." Alternative expressions include "to go separate ways" and "to break ties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We decided to part ways.

The New York Times

That conflict prompted Ferrero to part ways with McCann.

The New York Times

Nailon says it was a mutual decision to part ways.

The New York Times - Sports

"We have mutually decided to part ways," he said.

The New York Times

At this time, I have made the decision that it is time to part ways.

The New York Times

The team said Maalouf and the Colts mutually agreed to part ways.

The New York Times - Sports

Steve Ballmer in the controversial decision to part ways with the powerful exec.

The New York Times

And this is where fact and dramaturgy seem to part ways.

The New York Times

The team announced that the Rockets and Adelman "have mutually agreed to part ways".

The New York Times - Sports

"When leaving a job, councils and their employees need to part ways fairly.

Independent

"I really love teaching, and it is kind of difficult to part ways".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to part ways" to describe a formal or amicable separation, such as between companies or colleagues. It softens the impact compared to more direct terms like "fired" or "quit".

Common error

Avoid using "to part ways" when the separation is clearly acrimonious or forced. It suggests a mutual decision, so it's misleading in situations of conflict or termination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to part ways" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as a verb complement. It typically describes a decision or action to end a relationship, partnership, or association. Ludwig AI suggests the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Wiki

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to part ways" is a common and versatile phrase used to describe the ending of a relationship or collaboration. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness. It is particularly useful in professional or formal contexts where a softer, more neutral tone is desired. While implying a degree of mutual agreement, it's important to avoid using it when the separation is clearly contentious or forced. Alternatives such as "to separate", "to split up", and "to go separate ways" may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to go separate ways

This indicates a divergence in paths or directions.

to break ties

This implies severing connections or relationships.

to separate

This alternative implies a physical or metaphorical division between entities.

to split up

This suggests a more abrupt or definitive end to a relationship.

to sever relations

This phrase implies ending a relationship in a definitive or sometimes hostile manner.

to end association

This suggests a formal termination of a partnership or affiliation.

to cease collaboration

This indicates stopping a joint effort or project.

to terminate association

This indicates a formal end to a connection.

to dissolve partnership

This refers to the formal ending of a business agreement.

to disunite

To end a bond between multiple parties or concepts.

FAQs

How to use "to part ways" in a sentence?

The phrase "to part ways" is used to describe a separation or divergence, typically in a professional or amicable context. For example, "After years of collaboration, the company and its CEO decided "to part ways"."

What can I say instead of "to part ways"?

You can use alternatives like "to separate", "to split up", or "to go separate ways" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "to part ways" when someone leaves a job?

No, "to part ways" implies a mutual agreement or at least an amicable separation. If someone was fired or the departure was contentious, other phrases like "to be terminated" or "to resign" might be more accurate.

What's the difference between "to part ways" and "to break up"?

"To part ways" generally refers to a formal or professional separation, while "to break up" usually refers to the end of a romantic relationship. However, "to break up" can also be used more broadly.