was divided from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was divided from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a separation or distinction between two entities or concepts. Example: "The ancient kingdom was divided from its neighboring territories by a vast mountain range."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The movement was divided from the start.

The New Yorker

The kitchen was divided from the study area by stylish chrome shelving hung with shiny copper-bottomed pots.

The New York Times

In the summer of 1971, Springmartin was divided from the predominantly-Catholic Springfield Park only by six-foot railings.

The Guardian

Oberösterreich was divided from Niederösterreich in about 1450, and Linz became its capital in 1490 (following Enns, Steyr, and Wels).

Encyclopedia Britannica

All of which is a far cry from, say, "Pillow Talk," in which Doris Day was divided from Rock Hudson by nothing worse than a split screen.

The New Yorker

"The Secret Garden" was published in 1911, but I had no sense that I was divided from the Edwardians by a gulf of time or history.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Pro-Europeans have been divided from anti-Europeans.

The Economist

I am dismayed that once again Britain is divided from our major European neighbours.

The Guardian

Critics have been divided from wildly enthusiastic – and here – to merely respectful here and here.

The Guardian

"These sides are divided from each other in their souls," Longley said.

The New Yorker

Dozens of young boys were divided from dozens of young girls.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "separated", "distinguished", or "isolated" for variety, but only if they accurately reflect the specific nuance you intend to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "was divided from" when the subject wasn't actively separated. This passive construction implies an action. Using "differed from" may be more appropriate if highlighting inherent dissimilarities rather than a performed division.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was divided from" functions as a passive construction indicating that something underwent a process of separation or distinction. It highlights the result of a division rather than the agent performing the action, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was divided from" functions as a passive construction that indicates separation or distinction. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and finds frequent use in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While synonyms like "separated" or "distinguished" may sometimes be appropriate, it's essential to use them with consideration to the specific meaning you wish to convey. Be mindful of the passive voice construction to avoid unintended implications about agency in the separation. Overall, "was divided from" is a versatile and widely accepted phrase for describing the state of being separate or distinct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was separated from

Emphasizes physical or conceptual detachment, similar to the original phrase.

was distinguished from

Highlights the act of recognizing differences, focusing on discernment rather than just separation.

was partitioned from

Implies a more formal or structured division, often used in political or geographical contexts.

was detached from

Suggests a severing of connection, possibly with negative connotations of isolation.

was isolated from

Focuses on the state of being alone or apart, often implying a lack of interaction.

was segregated from

Highlights a separation based on specific criteria, often with social or discriminatory implications.

was disconnected from

Emphasizes a break in communication or a loss of a link.

was divorced from

Implies a complete and often legally recognized separation, with connotations of ending a relationship or union.

was weaned from

Specifically refers to the process of gradually removing dependence, often in the context of nurturing or habit.

was extracted from

Indicates a removal or taking out of something from a larger whole, often with effort or force.

FAQs

How to use "was divided from" in a sentence?

Use "was divided from" to indicate that something has been separated or distinguished from something else. For example, "The city "was divided from" the surrounding countryside by a high wall."

What can I say instead of "was divided from"?

You can use alternatives like "was separated from", "was distinguished from", or "was isolated from" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "was divided from" or "was separated from"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""was divided from"" implies a more deliberate or structured division, while "was separated from" is more general and can refer to physical or conceptual separation.

What's the difference between "was divided from" and "differed from"?

"Was divided from" implies that a separation occurred, while "differed from" simply means that two things are not the same. Use "was divided from" when something was once connected but is now separate.