was separated from

USAGE SUMMARY

"was separated from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "was separated from" to indicate that two things were previously connected or associated, but are no longer. For example: "The two companies were formerly part of the same conglomerate, but were separated from each other five years ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ms. Lively was separated from Ms. Moretz.

The New York Times

(Mrs. Ronalds was separated from her husband).

The New York Times - Arts

A: "I was separated from my wife.

The Guardian

Along the way she was separated from her children.

The New York Times

Buhring was separated from her mother at four years old.

The Guardian - Sport

Her building was separated from Mr. Diallo's by an alley.

The New York Times

Mr. Gerber was separated from his wife, Margo Macleod.

The New York Times - Arts

But then her relative was separated from her and released.

The Guardian

He was separated from his wife, Christine Friess.

The New York Times

Mr. Magic was separated from his wife, Lisa Rivas.

The New York Times - Arts

Soli, who was separated from Sachs's mother, was fairly remote.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was separated from", ensure clarity regarding what or whom was separated and the context of the separation. Providing specific details enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "separated". While "from" is standard, other prepositions can alter the meaning or be grammatically incorrect. For instance, "separated with" is generally not appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was separated from" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase indicating a state of being divided or disconnected. Ludwig's examples show it used in various contexts, from family separations to scientific processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was separated from" is a grammatically sound and very common passive verb phrase used to indicate a state of division or disconnection. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic content. It is important to use the correct preposition ("from") and to provide clear context regarding what or whom was separated. While alternatives like "became detached from" or "got disconnected from" exist, "was separated from" remains a direct and reliable choice for expressing this concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was detached from

A more direct synonym, indicating a physical or emotional disconnection.

became detached from

This alternative emphasizes the act of becoming no longer connected.

was divided from

Emphasizes the act of being split or partitioned from something else.

got disconnected from

This phrase highlights the loss of a connection, often implying a prior link.

was isolated from

This phrase focuses on the state of being alone and apart from others.

became isolated from

This suggests a state of being set apart, emphasizing a lack of interaction.

severed ties with

This suggests a complete and final break in a relationship or connection.

parted ways with

This implies a deliberate decision to end a relationship or association.

distanced themselves from

Indicates a deliberate action to create space or emotional distance.

lost contact with

Focuses on the cessation of communication or connection with someone or something.

FAQs

How do I use "was separated from" in a sentence?

Use "was separated from" to indicate a state of being divided or disconnected from something else. For example, "The child "was separated from" her parents during the evacuation".

What are some alternatives to "was separated from"?

You can use alternatives like "became detached from", "got disconnected from", or "became isolated from" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "separated with" instead of "was separated from"?

No, "separated with" is generally incorrect. The correct and idiomatic preposition to use with "separated" in this context is "from". For example: "He "was separated from" his colleagues".

What's the difference between ""was separated from"" and "became isolated from"?

"Was separated from" implies a division or disconnection from something, while "became isolated from" suggests a state of being alone and apart, often due to external factors or circumstances. The first suggests a severance, the second a state of aloneness.